The City of Mattoon Police Department has responded to recent questions regarding the hiring of one of its officers, following an article published by the Edgar County Watchdogs. The department addressed the matter in a Facebook post, stating: “The Edgar Co Watchdogs recently posted an article about one of our finest officers. They state they have reached out to MPD, however MPD has received no call, email, or FOIA from them. An email was sent to a member of the Edgar Co Watchdogs in an attempt to respond to these allegations against our officer however we have received no callback at this time.”
The department advised caution when consuming information online, adding: “Remember, be leery of what you read on social media.”
In response, representatives from Edgar County Watchdogs acknowledged that they did not make a phone call to the police department but emphasized their preference for written communication for documentation purposes. They explained that a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was not submitted because their inquiry related specifically to a letter from Arcola and sought only Mattoon’s knowledge of that letter.
According to Edgar County Watchdogs, an email containing the Arcola letter was sent at 10:19 AM on November 14, 2025, nearly five hours before their article was published. The email was directed to the Administrative Clerk at the Mattoon Police Department—the only contact address available at that time. Two other recipients included as blind carbon copies confirmed receipt.
Later that evening, Mattoon’s Chief of Police clarified via email: “That is not my email. That is our Administrative assistants email who did not work today.” The chief also noted that his own contact information had not been publicly listed at the time and confirmed awareness of the Arcola letter.
It has since emerged that Mattoon has filed a motion to quash the letter referenced in this dispute. While details of the motion itself are pending release, a copy of the response to this motion has been made available.
The central issue raised by Edgar County Watchdogs concerns whether public records about an officer were properly disclosed in connection with a criminal case. They note established legal precedent regarding defendants’ rights to due process and access to potentially exculpatory evidence.
In written correspondence with Edgar County Watchdogs, Mattoon’s Chief stated: “If you’re willing, you can call me. I’m more than happy to continue this conversation with you.” When pressed for written answers regarding claims in the Arcola letter, he replied: “That’s because I’ve said all I’m going to say on the record, which is yes I knew of the letter. And no there was no violations that should’ve kept us from hiring him. Now, if you really want to know everything that transpired, you would call me man to man. If you don’t care and simply want to continue pushing a false narrative, go right ahead.”
As of publication time, neither Mattoon officials nor others involved have publicly disputed specific claims made in the Arcola letter concerning alleged wrongdoing by an officer.
Questions remain about why efforts are being made legally to prevent use or disclosure of the letter if its contents are inaccurate.
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