News

Former SPD cop sentenced to jail time in near-fatal DUI accident, prosecutors wanted years in prison

Michael Egan, when he was arrested in 2024. Photo: Sangamon County


Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – He won’t spend much time in jail.

Michael Egan, 51, was sentenced Friday to a total of 90 days in jail after he pleaded guilty in November, 2025 to DUI-related charges for driving drunk on the day of his Springfield Police retirement in 2024, striking two motorcycle riders, one of whom was seriously injured.  Several Springfield officers were disciplined internally as well for their alleged actions the night of the crash.

“Why did Mike Egan decide that he was going to go drunk driving to celebrate his retirement as a police officer?” said Chelsey Farley, the victim who was seriously injured.  She’s still suffering from injuries, and was placed in a medically-induced coma for a time.

“How many individuals has Mike Egan arrested for DUI?” asked Farley.  “It’s completely puzzling to me…why did you make this bad decision?”

Caitlyn Weiss is the sister of Farley.  She said after the sentencing she is displeased with the sentence.

“Nobody wants to go to jail for 90 days.  But, I think that happens a lot, and you can get out of that fairly quickly,” said Weiss.  “It should have been a harsher sentence.  I’m glad that it’s maximum probation (30 months), I’m glad it’s something, and he left the room today in cuffs.”

Egan was immediately taken to the Sangamon County Jail.  If a judge finds he violated his probation, he’ll get another 90 days in jail.  He received credit for one day already served, and under state law, he must serve 85 percent of the sentence, or about 77 days.

Prosecutors wanted about half the maximum sentence of 12 years in prison.

The judge cited Egan’s lack of criminal record and showing of remorse as some of the factors for the sentence, while Weiss says the remorse is new to her.  Whether Egan was truly sorry came up in court.

“This guy doesn’t care,” said Farley.  “He shows up — every time I’ve seen him — laughing, smiling, palling around.”

“A day hasn’t passed that I haven’t thought about the pain or the injuries that I caused both [victims] and their families,” said Egan.

A number of friends of Egan talked of his character, how he’s willing to do anything for almost anyone, and has helped or volunteered at a number of charitable causes.  Several said Egan, though, has changed since the accident — not leaving the house except to spend time with a friend.

Dan Fultz, defense attorney, said one time last year, when Egan walked past Farley at the Sangamon County Complex, Farley asked why he wouldn’t apologize for what he did.  Fultz said he would be derelict as an attorney if he didn’t tell his client not to apologize until a sentencing hearing.

“He’s been waiting for this day, to say ‘I’m sorry,’ Fultz exclaimed.  “Today, he has our permission to say, ‘I’m sorry.’  And, guess what he said?  ‘I’m sorry.'”

Fultz and attorney Mark Wykoff also represented former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson in court, with his sentencing the day before.

Among some of the reasons Judge Robin Schmidt gave for imposing the lighter sentence was what she said was Egan’s showing of remorse, as well as his lack of a criminal record, based on a pre-sentence investigation, and other factors.  In addition to 90 days in jail, another 90 days if probation is violated, and the 30 months of probation, Egan was ordered to perform 300 hours of community service within 24 months.  He must also pay court fines and costs.  Schmidt agreed to the proposal that Egan also make a $5,000 donation to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

“I embarrassed the police department I served for 23 years,” said Egan.  “I will never, ever, ever, allow myself to make any kind of decision that puts anyone at risk again.”

“You changed all of us forever,” said Weiss, calling Egan “scum” during the sentencing.

“Screw you,” said Farley.  “I hope you rot.”

Recent Headlines

11 hours ago in National, Trending

US employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 jobs last month, rebounding from a weak February

American employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 new jobs last month, rebounding from a dismal February. And the unemployment...

11 hours ago in National, Trending

The Latest: US and Israel are trying to rescue fighter jet crew in Iran, Israeli source says

The U.S. military launched a rescue operation Friday after Iranian state media reported that an American fighter jet went down and at least...

2 days ago in Entertainment, National, Trending

The Latest: Artemis II fully fueled for NASA’s historic return to the moon

NASA's launch team has loaded more than 700,000 gallons of fuel into the 32-story Space Launch System rocket, setting the stage for the Artemis II mission crew members to board...

2 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Megan Thee Stallion takes 2 Broadway shows off after illness during ‘Moulin Rouge!’

Megan Thee Stallion was rushed to the hospital after "feeling very ill" while onstage on Broadway in "Moulin Rouge! The Musical." She later took to social media to explain...

2 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Bruce Springsteen brings ‘Streets of Minneapolis’ home as he launches US tour with ‘War’

Bruce Springsteen was in a defiant but upbeat mood as he returned Tuesday night to the "Streets of Minneapolis" to launch his latest...