Madison County chief judge David Hylla confirmed that circuit judge Andreas Matoesian has been off the bench for unspecified reasons since Labor Day.
Hylla has been handling Matoesian’s docket while he is out, including any emergency matters that need to be handled right away – such as settlements.
“His docket is moving along with no interruption,” Hylla said.
Hylla said he has filled in for other judges in the past and is prepared to address anything that comes up.
“I’m kind of the pinch hitter here when the judge is off,” he added.
Hylla said a temporary judge is not necessary because he is able to handle both Matoesian’s docket as well as his chief judge duties.
“I’m not concerned because I can handle his docket until he gets back,” he said.
Hylla said Matoesian is still planning on returning to the bench.
Matoesian is the longest-serving judge in Illinois with more than 50 years on the bench.
He began his judicial career as a magistrate judge in 1965 before the position was eliminated with the new state Constitution in 1970.
He was elected a circuit judge in 1980 and was most recently retained in 2016.