Woodford County State's Attorney Greg Minger said he will not prosecute or enforce Gov. J.B. Pritzker's extended stay-at-home order.
In a letter to Woodford County Chief Deputy Dennis Tipsword verified by WCBU, Minger asks Tipsword to notify mayors of cities contracted with the sheriff's office for law enforcement services of his rationale.
Minger said the extended stay-at-home order poses constitutional issues because it is extended beyond the statutory 30 days. He also said it involves due process issues with the "improper taking of property interests and pecuniary interests without just compensation."
"People, not government, need to determine what is best and safest for them, their loved ones, and the community around them. If that means staying at home, then they should. If that means going back to work and opening restaurants and bars and stores, then they should," wrote Minger in the letter.
Pritzker's modified stay-at-home order extends the original April 30 end date through May. A southern Illinois judgerecently blocked enforcement of the order on a Republican state representative who sued, potentially inviting more lawsuits from citizens seeking exemptions. Pritzker is appealing that decision.
Minger said he's also notified Woodford County Board chairman John Krug, Woodford County Health Department Administrator Hillary Aggertt, Sheriff Matt Smith, and Woodford County EMA Director Kent McCanless of his decision.
Woodford County currently reports 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and one death linked to the virus. Ten cases are considered recovered.
The letter was first reported on bythe Edgar County Watchdogs.
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