Springfield, IL (WAND/CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy has resigned after being arrested for driving under the influence.
According to the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Paula Crouch was informed on Sunday, July 12 that Probationary Deputy Matthew Klenke was arrested by Illinois State Police for driving under the influence.
State police said a trooper pulled Klenke over for a vehicle code violation on Stanford Avenue near Junction Circle in Springfield.
The sheriff’s office confirmed the information with ISP and placed Klenke on administrative leave.
The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office said after an internal investigation was completed on Thursday, Klenke tendered his resignation, opting to forego the disciplinary process. The resignation was effective immediately.
There is no court record for the arrest, based on electronic Sangamon County Court records. According to a social media posting by the Sheriff’s Department, Klenke was one of six deputies sworn in by Crouch prior to April 29.
It’s the second law enforcement officer in the last two weeks to be arrested for driving under the influence. Springfield Police Sergeant Lindzee Carpenter was arrested by Chatham Police July 4. She is scheduled for a court hearing Friday, July 24. Carpenter was stripped of police powers and placed on administrative leave following her arrest.
