Charge Filed in Jasper County; Person Accused of Not Self-Isolating Against COVID-19

A person has been charged in Jasper County with violating medical advice to self-isolate as a precaution against COVID-19.

The individual, whose name was not released and who lives outside Jasper County, has been charged with a Class A misdemeanor charge of Reckless Conduct.

Jasper County State's Attorney Chad Miller's office and the Jasper County Health Department have investigated the matter. Miller said the person presented to a medical professional in their home county on March 22, and Miller said the person was exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and told that they should self-isolate until April 5.

The person was not tested for COVID-19, but was ordered to self-isolate. Miller said that, on March 25, the person entered a Jasper County business and Miller said the person was "clearly not self-isolating". 

The reckless conduct charge alleges that "the individual ignored medical advice to self-isolate and therefore showed a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others."

A Class A misdemeanor such as reckless conduct can be punishable by up to one year in jail. 

Miller said, "I am not releasing this information in order to cause panic, which is why names and locations have been excluded, however, I want Jasper County residents to know that public health is something I take very seriously and blatant acts of disregard for others' safety will not be tolerated."