East Central Reporter

On September 5, 2024, Shelby County reported a significant development in the case involving Steven Decker. Decker faced multiple felony and misdemeanor charges for driving through a cemetery in Moweaqua, causing extensive damage to at least 16 headstones.

Initially charged by former State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke, the case saw an additional higher felony charge added by her successor, Rob Hanlon, in August 2023. This charge included damage to 10 or more gravestones, classified as a Class 3 felony.

On August 21, 2024, under a plea deal with current State’s Attorney Ruth Woolery, Decker pleaded guilty to Count 1: driving on a revoked/suspended license/DUI, which is classified as a Class 4 felony. In exchange for this plea, all other charges were dropped. The agreement included 12 months of probation, no contact or entry into Tolley Cemetery, restitution of $2,000 to the named victim (presumed to be the cemetery), monthly payments of $25 PSF (Probation Service Fee), a $100 fine plus assessments, and a sentence of 30 days in Shelby County Jail with no day-for-day credit but with three days credited for time served.

The restitution amount has raised questions about whether it will adequately cover the damages incurred from Decker's actions.

Further updates are anticipated regarding another plea deal involving a child rapist that could result in less than two years of imprisonment contingent on good behavior.

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