The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office is seeking reimbursement from Sangamon County for security expenses incurred during the high-profile Sean Grayson murder trial held in Peoria earlier this month.
Sheriff Chris Watkins submitted an invoice to Sangamon County administrators this week detailing costs associated with providing security for the trial, which drew national attention.
The total reimbursement request is $47,967.56, according to the invoice dated November 19, 2025.
“I am writing on behalf of the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office regarding the recent Sonya Massey murder trial held at the Peoria County Courthouse,” Watkins wrote in an email Wednesday. “Our office provided significant support throughout the proceedings.”
Watkins emphasized that the sheriff’s office is not seeking reimbursement for regular hours worked, which exceeded $65,000, nor for the extensive planning and oversight he and his undersheriffs provided.
According to the invoice, the reimbursement request includes four specific categories of direct expenses: overtime ($29,929.27), meals ($8,129.26), medical supplies ($24.03), and temporary fencing ($9,885.00).
“We believe these expenses represent a fair and reasonable request, as they were necessary to ensure the safety, order, and smooth operation of the trial,” Watkins wrote.
The trial of Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy charged in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, was held in Peoria due to venue and security considerations.
Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in connection with Massey’s death on July 6, 2024. The case drew national attention and required significant security measures at the Peoria County Courthouse.
Watkins noted the cooperative effort between the two counties in his correspondence.
“We appreciate the cooperation between our counties and remain committed to supporting the justice system when called upon,” he wrote.
The sheriff added that he is available to provide additional documentation or clarification regarding the expenses if needed.
Watkins said he submitted the invoice to Sangamon County on Wednesday but has not received a response as of Thursday afternoon.
The request does not include expenses from the Peoria Police Department or Peoria Public Works, according to Watkins’ email.
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