Illinois State Police agent pleads guilty, loses job over hit-and-run involving teen

As part of a plea agreement filed Tuesday in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Julian Feix, 30, of Fairview Heights, agreed to resign from his job, surrender his Illinois law-enforcement certification, serve two years’ probation and perform 100 hours of community service.

Feix also must pay court costs and probation fees, as well as restitution to the other driver, Atticus Slocum, 16, of Swansea. The restitution amount will depend on the outcome of a civil lawsuit filed by the teen’s mother, Melissa Slocum.

“Failure to (resign and surrender certification) shall result in this plea being set aside and the defendant may face additional charges, including felony charges based upon his conduct,” the agreement states.

The crash occurred at 4:11 p.m. Dec. 7 at the intersection of Hartman and Thouvenot lanes, where Thouvenot becomes Frank Scott Parkway.

Shiloh police issued Feix tickets for disregarding an official traffic-control device and leaving the scene.

Shiloh Sgt. Chris Flynn wrote in the police report he smelled alcohol on Feix’s breath while interviewing him about 45 minutes after the accident.

Feix couldn’t be reached for comment on Wednesday. His attorney, Travis Noble, who specializes in driving-while-intoxicated cases in Missouri, didn’t respond to a request for information.

Feix read a statement at the hearing Tuesday before Associate Judge Dominic Kujawa at the Belleville courthouse.

"He did apologize, and I believe he was sincere," Slocum said, noting that Feix looked directly at Atticus while speaking. "He said, ‘Please know that I’ve thought about you every day since Dec. 7.’"

Feix was part of Illinois State Police’s Public Safety Enforcement Group, a special investigations unit. He was driving an unmarked 2023 Ford Explorer at the time of the crash.

Melaney Arnold, spokeswoman for the Illinois State Police, verified Wednesday Feix had resigned from his job that morning. He had been on restricted duty with pay since Dec. 9.

"The Division of Internal Investigation is currently finishing its investigation so additional information is not available at this time," Arnold wrote in an email. "ISP cannot speak to any other investigations."

Slocum filed a civil lawsuit against Feix in February, alleging that Atticus had endured "significant physical pain, suffering, disability and mental anguish" and that his 2015 Honda Fit had been badly damaged.

On Wednesday, Slocum said in an interview that Atticus is undergoing physical therapy for back, neck and shoulder issues, and he has begun driving after taking a couple months off.

"I believe in giving people grace," she said. "(Feix) made a mistake. At the end of the day, my son is still with me. That’s what matters most. But there needs to be some accountability."

Slocum noted that Feix had charged through a busy intersection with emergency lights flashing, despite not being on official business.

Feix contacted his ISP supervisor after the 4:11 p.m. accident. She called Sgt. Flynn at 4:41 p.m. and gave him Feix’s name and address, and they all met at his apartment for an interview at 4:52 p.m.

Feix told Flynn that his grandmother was sick, and he was headed to see her in west Belleville when he "tapped somebody" at the intersection, the police report stated. He maintained that he went back to the crash scene, but the other vehicle was already gone.

"While speaking with Feix at his patrol car, I could smell the odor of alcohol emitting from his breath," Flynn wrote in the Dec. 7 report. "Feix denied consuming any alcohol today.

"I asked Feix if it came down to it, would he be willing to submit to field sobriety test. Feix stated no. Feix did not appear to be unsteady on his feet nor did he sway back and forth."

Shiloh’s daily police blotter described the accident as a "hit and run." Feix wasn’t charged with driving under the influence.

Flynn stated in another report that on Dec. 8 he watched Rainstorm Car Wash surveillance video, which showed that the Explorer crashed into the Fit at 4:11 p.m. and drove back through the intersection at 4:24 p.m.

By that time, Atticus already had moved his car from the road to the parking lot of a Circle K gas station, with help from witnesses, and he stayed with it for about two hours, his mother said at the time.

"He was alone (in the car),’" Melissa Slocum said. "He’s 16. He’s only had a driver’s license for three months, and he was as scared as anyone would be in this circumstance."