Boone County sheriff honors detectives after investigation leads to drug‑induced homicide charges

The Boone County sheriff’s office recognized members of its detective unit Thursday for work on a drug‑related homicide investigation that resulted in felony charges, county officials said.

Sheriff David Wolsey (identified in roll call earlier in the meeting) commended Sergeant Dan Riley, Detective Tim Fleming and Detective Keith Van Acker for “outstanding investigation skills” that led to the arrest of a suspect in connection with a death on July 25, 2024. The sheriff said an autopsy determined the victim died of a drug overdose and the investigative team developed a suspect in Rockford. The case was forwarded to the state’s attorney, which approved charges of one count of drug‑induced homicide (class X felony) and one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (class 2 felony).

Wolsey presented merit pins and praised the detectives’ leadership and work ethic, saying the case was “a direct result in the outstanding investigation skills along with the outstanding work ethic” of the detectives and of Sergeant Riley’s supervision. Detective remarks at the podium thanked colleagues and praised teamwork; the sheriff also acknowledged assistance from the community and the state’s attorney’s office.

Board members asked whether the person charged is in custody; the sheriff confirmed the suspect “is in the jail.” No further details about the defendant were discussed at the meeting because the case is pending, the state’s attorney said elsewhere in the session.

Why it matters: felony charges including drug‑induced homicide are serious criminal allegations and the arrest follows multi‑month investigative work. The sheriff emphasized community safety and interagency cooperation in the unit’s work.

What happens next: charges were approved by the state’s attorney and the suspect remains in custody; the state’s attorney and sheriff will proceed through the court process on the pending case.