The chief deputy of the McDonough County sheriff’s office will retire on Nov. 15, less than two months after his weapon discharged during a cookout in a preschool parking lot.
In an email to Lynne Campbell, owner and editor of the Community News Brief, Sheriff Nick Petitgout wrote:
“It's my pleasure to inform you that Chief Deputy Adam Cremer has announced his intentions to retire from the McDonough County Sheriff's Office on November 15, 2025. Cremer first started at the McDonough County Sheriff's Office as a part-time corrections officer on October 23, 1999.”
The Community News Brief shared the email with TSPR.
Cremer served under four sheriffs during his time with the department.
He was placed on unpaid leave after his AR-15 service rifle discharged in the MacArthur Early Childhood Center parking lot in Macomb late in the afternoon on October 2.
Cremer was moving a folding table in the back of his squad vehicle when it bumped the rear of the weapon, causing it to fire.
Several people, including students, were nearby, but no one was injured.
The Illinois Appellate Prosecutors Office investigated the case and chose not to press criminal charges.
Tri States Public Radio produced this story. TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.
