A Cambridge man with a long history of charges, often related to substance abuse, got five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). Family, Friends and a former boss testified at the Sentencing hearing for Michael Lindquist on June 1st. Michael R. Lindquist, 38, made an unsworn statement to the court asking for a second chance at life because he is ready to stay clean and sober and pay his debt to society. Lindquist apologized for his actions and said he was ashamed of himself and said “today I have to be punished”. “I’m six months sober and I’m refocused.” Lindquist said he is looking at probation as an asset and not an easy way out, for the first time. He said he wants to come back to his hometown but there are no substance abuse treatment options in Cambridge. He said “when my time comes, I want to go out with my head held high”. “I’m not asking for a get out of jail free card today.” “I’m asking for a new start.” Judge Terry Patton said the charges against Mr. Lindquist are the type of offenses the court sees with substance abuse and are not violent offenses. Judge Patton said the court must look at what the defendant has done, not just what he says. Judge Patton said he would rather rehabilitate a person then incarcerate them. “Hopefully, at some point, he will get serious about staying clean”, referring to Mr. Lindquist. Michael Lindquist was sentenced to five years in IDOC, six months of Mandatory Supervised Release, Credit for Time Served plus fines and assessments. Mr. Lindquist must report to Court Services within 30 days of release from IDOC to make payment arrangements.
Michael’s mother, Cheryl, said Michael is an amazing person when he’s straight. She said he helps her mother a lot and is always there when you need him. She said he is very smart but does make bad decisions. “He’s growing up to be the man he’s supposed to be.” Michael’s step-mother, Kathy, said she has seen Michael at his worst but also at his best. She said he is very loving and caring, artistic and a hard worker. She said the best way to help Michael is to put him in a drug rehabilitation facility for as long as it takes for him to get better. Michael’s father, Michael, said Michael was on the honor roll in high school and won a couple track championships. He said he has a good relationship with his son and Michael did very well with he lived with him and Kathy. He said Michael would be the first one to stop and help someone on the side of the road and “He’s always welcome at my house”. Lori was his employer when he worked at the Legion but became his friend. Lori said Mr. Lindquist was let go because the Legion couldn’t afford to pay everyone so they had to let people go. Crystal has been friends with Michael for over 20 years. She said “he needs rehab, not prison”. She said people look at the decisions he has made and not the good person he is.
Judge Patton entered a recommendation for Substance Abuse Treatment. Michael Lindquist has been clean for the six months he has been in the Henry County Jail. He looks and sounds like he is in a better place than he was after his arrest six months ago. State’s Attorney Runty said she isn’t joking when she says that she has made a career of prosecuting Mr. Lindquist. She said addiction has affected so many parts of his life. State’s Attorney Runty said addiction leads to criminal behavior; However, the State has given him probation and assisted with treatment options in the past. She said Mr. Lindquist must change his ways and attempt to follow the laws of society. The State recommended three years in IDOC for each of the five Felony charges to be served consecutively, for a total of 15 years.
Defense Attorney, Lance Camp, said Mr. Lindquist is asking for a chance. Attorney Camp said Mr. Lindquist is asking for the opportunity to get help for the underlying issues at hand. Mr. Camp asked the court to give Lindquist a chance to show the court and community how he has changed. Mr. Camp recommended time served and probation.
