Havera resigns as SA; accepts state role
TAYLORVILLE —Christian County State’s Attorney Mike Havera announced Tuesday, Dec. 7, he has accepted a new position with the Illinois States Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor’s Office in the Special Prosecution Unit effective January 1, 2022.
The Special Prosecution Unit consists of experienced trial attorneys who assist in prosecuting criminal cases when appointed by a court having jurisdiction, usually upon the request of the local
State’s Attorney. Special Prosecutor appointments are generally made in cases involving local conflicts of interest and, at times, in cases of legal and logistical complexity.
Havera will be based out of the Springfield Office. He and his family will continue to reside locally.
̈I look forward to serving multiple counties, including Christian County, in this new position and to continue to wage the fight against crime
and protect society and its citizens,” said Havera. “At the same time, I intend to work against injustice and to protect civil rights and civil liberties.”
Havera has been Christian County State’s Attorney since 2012. Prior to that he served as the County’s Chief Public Defender for 4 years.
During his tenure in Christian County Havera has successfully prosecuted cases such as first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated discharge
of a firearm, and production of methamphetamine. While in office he drafted legislation that became law prohibiting the retail sale of bath salts. He is currently serving on the Board of Governors for the Illinois State’s Attorneys Association.
“Mike Havera’s excellent work as a central Illinois prosecutor has been recognized state- wide, most recently with his nomination by US Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth for appointment by President Biden as the US Central District Attorney,” said State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor Director Patrick Delfino. “Although Mike was not selected, his nomination to the President only served to confirm what we already knew. Mike is among the best prosecutors in the State of Illinois, and we are thrilled to have him join our staff.”
“I want to thank the citizens of Christian County for entrusting me with the important responsibilities that come with being their State’s Attorney,” Havera said. “It is something that I never took for granted. I dedicated 100% of my effort to doing it to the best of my ability. I will miss working with and seeing on a daily basis the good folks of the Christian County offices and the local law enforcement agencies.”
Illinois state law provides that upon the resignation of the local State’s Attorney, the chair of the local political party of the resigning State’s Attorney shall submit to the county board a nomination for a replacement. The vacancy shall then be filled by appointment of the chair of the county board with the advice and consent of the county board.
