Longtime Hamilton County State’s Attorney Justin E. Hood has announced he will resign at the end of the year to join the Illinois Appellate Prosecutor’s Office as a member of the Special Prosecution Unit. This unit is tasked with prosecuting criminal cases when appointed by a court, particularly in situations involving conflicts of interest or complex cases.
Hood has served as Hamilton County’s State’s Attorney since August 2008. Prior to that, he worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Jackson, St. Clair, and Franklin Counties. He was re-elected as Hamilton County State’s Attorney in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024.
Hood informed the Hamilton County Board of his intention to resign, effective January 1st, during their meeting Tuesday evening. This advance notice will allow the board time to appoint an interim State’s Attorney. It is expected that his assistant, Sarah Mead, will be named as his replacement. If appointed, Mead will serve until a special election is held in November 2026.
The Special Prosecution Unit has been especially active in downstate Illinois, where limited personnel and resources can create challenges for county prosecutors. The unit has assisted in numerous murder cases and other complex criminal matters when local State’s Attorneys were unable to prosecute. Currently, the Special Prosecution Unit includes 20 attorneys, five of whom serve on a contract basis.
In addition to his work as State’s Attorney, Hood has served as First Vice President of the Illinois State’s Attorneys Association and has assisted several Southern Illinois counties as a special prosecutor in conflict cases. He is also a member of the Illinois State’s Attorney Legislative Committee and the National District Attorney Association.