URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — On Monday, November 17, Matthew A. Stuckey, a former Champaign County Sheriff’s deputy, pled guilty to charges of theft related to the misappropriation of funds from the 10-78 Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting law enforcement officers. The charge, which was originally filed following an investigation by the Illinois State Police (ISP), accused Stuckey of stealing between $10,000 and $100,000 from the charity, which also went by the name Back the Blue Champaign County.
The case first gained attention when, in November 2024, ISP agents began looking into Stuckey’s financial activities with the foundation. The investigation uncovered evidence that Stuckey had been using the nonprofit’s funds for personal expenses. In response to the allegations, Stuckey was placed on administrative leave by Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman, who later confirmed Stuckey’s resignation as a deputy in April 2025.
Earlier today, after months of legal proceedings, Stuckey appeared before Judge Matthew D. Lee and formally pled guilty to the Class 2 felony charge of theft. Stuckey was represented by his attorney, Peter W. Su, while the prosecution was led by Assistant State’s Attorney Troy Lozar.
Sentence Details:
Instead of jail time, Judge Lee sentenced Stuckey to a 36-month probation period, which includes supervised court services. As part of the sentence, Stuckey is required to complete various programs such as education, treatment, and sobriety-based self-help group meetings. He will also be given credit for any public service hours completed, including participation in the Victim Impact Panel and GED classes.
The court found that Stuckey’s sentence would allow him a chance to rehabilitate and make amends for his actions. However, the sentence also includes fines, costs, penalties, and fees, which are to be enforced as part of his restitution obligations.
Following his arraignment earlier in the year, Stuckey was granted the opportunity to stay out of custody, with unspecified conditions of release. His legal team and the prosecutor agreed that probation would be an appropriate sentence given the circumstances of the case. Stuckey’s next court appearance will be to confirm his progress in meeting the conditions of his probation.
Background:
Stuckey’s arrest stemmed from a wider investigation into the 10-78 Foundation, an organization established to support police officers in Champaign County. After the Illinois State Police found evidence of financial misconduct, Stuckey’s role in the theft came under scrutiny. Sheriff Heuerman’s office placed Stuckey on leave and later accepting his resignation.
