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On November 14, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) opened an investigation into Sangamon County, Illinois, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), and the Sangamon County Central Dispatch System (SCCDS) to assess potential race and disability discrimination. The investigation arose after an SCSO deputy fatally shot Sonya Massey, a Black woman who had called 911 for help while in a mental health crisis. The DOJ announced it would assess Sangamon County, SCSO, and SCCDS’ practices under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Safe Streets Act of 1968, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
On January 16, 2025, the DOJ, Sangamon County, SCSO, and SCCDS entered into a memorandum of agreement, thereby ending the DOJ’s investigation. The agreement required the development and implementation of a mobile crisis team services, including trained behavior health staff to respond to individuals needing urgent behavioral health assistance. Additionally, Sangamon and the county agencies would review and update policies, rules, and procedures; provide additional trainings to SCSO and SCCDS personnel; designate an individual to review complaints under the ADA, Title VI, and the Safe Streets Act; and provide biannual reports to the DOJ, among other provisions. The Agreement is set to terminate on January 16, 2027, two years after the memorandum of agreement’s effective date.
Summary Authors
Avery Coombe (10/14/2025)
State / Territory: Illinois
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Attorney Organizations:
U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Sangamon County (Sangamon), County
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.
Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.
Special Case Type(s):
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff
Nature of Relief:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Content of Injunction:
Provide antidiscrimination training
Order Duration: 2025 - None
Issues
General/Misc.:
Disability and Disability Rights:
Affected Race(s):