Two former employees of the Choate Mental Health and Development Center have been arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged abuse of mental health patients at the facility located in Anna.
Law enforcement is looking for a third person allegedly involved with the investigation
Agents working with the Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation arrested Sheri L. Fish, 49, of Sherman, and Cody A. Barger, 25, of Grantsburg, on charges of official misconduct and other related charges. Fish is being held in the Sangamon County Jail and was given a bond of $25,000. Barger was taken to the Union County Jail and given a bond of $25,000.
Police are still looking for Jonathan Lingle, 29, of Goreville, as an obstruction of justice charge has been filed against him.
The Illinois State Police arrived at Choate Mental Health and Development Center on March 22, 2018 to investigate allegations of the abuse of mental health patients. After a comprehensive investigation, the Union County Grand Jury issued indictments on Jan. 6, 2020 for Fish, Barger and Lingle.
This Union County State’s Attorney's office is now in charge of the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding Lingle's wherabouts is asked to contact the Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation's Collinsville office at 618-346-3500.
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