THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
People v. Roger Dowell 2025-CF-510
On March 5, 2026, Roger Dowell (DOB 12/18/1974), of Georgetown, Illinois, was found guilty by a Vermilion County Jury of Aggravated Driving After Revocation/Suspension, a class 4 felony. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Layne Roberts and Kevin Schneider. The trial was presided over by Judge Karen Wall. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 2, 2026.
The People presented evidence that on August 23, 2024, the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department responded to a vehicle crashed into a cornfield in Blount Township. Upon arrival, the Sheriff’s Deputy spoke to the driver of the vehicle, Roger Dowell, who reported that he had misjudged the turn, while turning south onto 1300 East Road, causing him to exit the roadway. The Sheriff’s Deputy observed skid marks in the roadway which indicated Dowell failed to stop at the posted stop sign, braking hard while turning south and striking the ditch before coming to a rest in the cornfield. Through further investigation it was discovered that Dowell was driving on
a suspended/revoked driver’s license at the time of the accident.
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said, “Thanks to the attention of the jury, and the work of the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department, this defendant has been held accountable for his actions. This defendant chose to get behind the wheel despite having a revoked license and ultimately put others at risk. My office remains committed to protecting the safety of all those traveling throughout Vermilion County.”
