GODFREY – A Godfrey resident remains in custody in Jersey County on charges of domestic battery and more.
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David L. Heape, 44, of Godfrey, was charged on July 10, 2026 in Jersey County court with one count each of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony), unlawful possession of methamphetamine (a Class 3 felony), unlawful interference with the reporting of domestic violence, and theft (both Class A misdemeanors).
On July 9, 2026, Heape allegedly knowingly committed an act of domestic battery against another individual after previously being convicted of violating an Order of Protection in a Jersey County case from 2022.
Heape is additionally accused of taking the victim’s cell phone on the same date to prevent them from calling the Jersey County 911 Emergency Telephone System, resulting in the two misdemeanor charges. He was also reportedly in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine at the time of these offenses.
The Jersey County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to deny Heape’s pretrial release from custody in this case, which was granted with a Detention Order filed in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court of Jersey County.
According to the Detention Order, Heape has a “significant criminal history” including prior substance abuse and domestic violence offenses. In addition to having an active Order of Protection, Heape was also reportedly on pretrial release from custody in a St. Clair County case of aggravated battery filed earlier this year.
Heape was arrested by the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Jersey County Jail on July 9, 2026, where he currently remains in custody. He has been ordered to have no contact with the domestic battery victim in this case until otherwise ordered by the court.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
