District Court Roundup

Extradition hearing for Zielinski Jr.

Michael Edward Zielinski Jr. appeared at the Madison County Courthouse on April 9 for an extradition hearing. Zielinski has two charges filed against him in the state of Illinois, one count robbery and one count theft.  Zielinski signed a waiver of issuance to voluntarily return to Illinois to answer the charges. Judge Luke Berger gave the state of Illinois 30 days to transfer Zielinski out of Madison County. 

Wallace sentenced on assault, criminal mischief charges

Stephen Christopher Wallace appeared at the Madison County Courthouse on April 9 for a sentencing hearing. Wallace was charged with one count assault with a weapon and one count criminal mischief after an incident in Madison County in 2017. 

After reaching a plea agreement, Judge Luke Berger followed the recommendations of the state, and sentenced Wallace to a three-year deferred sentence and $1,000 fine for the assault charge, and a six-month deferred sentence, $500 fine, for the criminal mischief charge. Wallace’s sentences will run concurrently, and he received credit for five days time served.

Judge Berger also imposed Wallace undergo a mental health evaluation. “I know there is often a negative connotation with mental health, but I don’t see how an evaluation could hurt you,” said Judge Berger. Wallace must also pay restitution in the amount of $913.57.