White Hall man accepts plea deal

By Editor | January 27, 2026 |

By Carmen Ensinger

A recent plea agreement reached in a sex abuse case involving a minor is drawing ire after the story, which was ran by a local radio station, hit social media.
Kaleb J. Washausen, 24, of White Hall, pleaded guilty in Greene County Circuit Court on Jan. 21 to one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 2 felony, before Greene County Circuit Court Judge Zachary Schmidt.
On April 24, 2025, Washausen was arrested and charged with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse being five years older than the victim and four counts of possession of child pornography.
Per the plea agreement, the four counts of child pornography were dropped as was one charge of aggravated abuse.
In Illinois, a Class 2 Felony is punishable by a sentence of three to seven years in the Department of Corrections and a fine of up to $25,000. However, it is also probational, with a potential probation term of up to four years.
Washausen was sentenced to 60 days in the Greene County Jail, with credit for three days served, followed by two years’ probation and fined $500.
Once the story hit social media, both Greene County States Attorney Craig Grummel and Judge Schmidt were blasted for the lenient sentence.
State’s Attorney Grummel wants to set those who commented straight.
“What many commenters do not see are the realities that govern every criminal case: the strength and limits of the evidence, the defenses the law provides every defendant, the history of the accused, and most importantly, the wishes of the victim and the victim’s family. Those factors matter a great deal,” he said. “The sentence of the defendant in this case was more severe than the victim desired. I consider the impact of a trial on a victim, and everyone should respect that person’s privacy. My office will continue to focus on the victim’s desires as they are the ones who have to go through this process, not anyone else.”
As a former defense attorney himself, Grummel said he understands both sides of the courtroom.
“There are legal and factual considerations that never make it into a headline or a comment thread, but they drive outcomes in real life,” he said. “Justice is not a slogan – it is a process bound by law and proof.”
Grummel said he speaks with law enforcement every day and goes over files, is in the courtroom and has conversations.
“These resolutions are not casual or careless – they are the product of careful evaluation and legal constraint,” he said. “In fact, I spoke to Greene County Sheriff Rob McMillen today and he confirmed the most recent sex offender and defendant in question was registered immediately upon entering the jail and will be registered for life.”
The Court, likewise, weighs every decision with great consideration and deliberation.
“There are several serious cases coming up that I believe will satisfy those who are rightly demanding accountability and justice,” Grummel said. “The work is ongoing, and it is being done deliberately and lawfully.”