For her role in investigating crimes against children and recovering stolen firearms, among other actions in the line of duty, a Macomb woman who serves as a Knox County Sheriff’s Office detective was recently awarded two Meritorious Awards from Spoon River Valley FOP Lodge 427.
Det. Morgan Jameson was recognized for her role in investigating complex multi-jurisdictional and federal cases involving crimes against children, including online exploitation, grooming and victim identification. According to Jameson, the investigations required extensive digital forensic analysis, long-term undercover efforts and close coordination with state and federal partners, ultimately resulting in multiple arrests. While investigating crimes against children, she was also led to a federal multi-jurisdictional ATM “jackpotting” investigation involving sophisticated cyber-enabled financial crimes across Knox, Fulton, Peoria, Mason and Woodford counties, as well as several counties in Missouri. The investigation involved significant digital forensic work and interagency collaboration and resulted in multiple arrests and federal indictments.
The second Meritorious Award recognized her role in a large-scale investigation involving the theft and trafficking of firearms. The case led to the recovery of 17 stolen firearms and the arrest of multiple suspects, helping strengthen public safety in the community.
“I am honored and humbled to receive two Meritorious Awards from Spoon River Valley FOP Lodge 427 for investigative work completed over the past year,” Jameson shared. “I am also extremely grateful to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and my office family for their continued support, teamwork and dedication to solving crime and protecting our community.”
The recent awards are not the first time the Stockton, Illinois native has been recognized for her investigative work. She has also received recognition from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, including being named Deputy of the Month in February 2025 and April 2025, and received a Certificate of Commendation in March 2025 for outstanding performance and service.
Jameson was also recognized by the McDonough County Board in May 2023 for her investigative work and performance as a detective while serving with the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office.
“While that recognition was not tied to a specific case, it acknowledged my consistent dedication, work ethic, and contributions to investigations,” she added.
Jameson earned bachelor’s degrees in sociology and psychology from Monmouth College, and later completed a criminal justice degree at the University of Dubuque. She began her law enforcement career in 2015 as a patrol deputy with the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office. In 2019, she returned to Illinois and lateraled into a patrol position with the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office, transitioning into investigations in 2021.
In her role as a detective, Jameson has worked a wide range of cases, including crimes against children, firearm-related offenses, financial and cyber-enabled crimes, drug interdiction and other complex investigations. Many of these cases span multiple jurisdictions and require extensive coordination with local, state and federal agencies.
“I chose law enforcement because I wanted a career focused on service and making a meaningful difference in the community,” Jameson said. “The ability to support victims during difficult moments, protect those who are vulnerable, and work toward accountability is what initially drew me to the profession and continues to motivate me every day.”
She added that the greatest impact of her job is knowing that her work helps protect others and prevent further harm.
“As the mother of three daughters, I see firsthand how crime and complex incidents can deeply affect families and individuals experiencing trauma,” she said. “Whether supporting victims, identifying offenders, or contributing to safer communities, the ability to make a positive difference through service and accountability is what gives the work meaning and purpose.”
According to Jameson, one of the biggest challenges of the profession is balancing the emotional and time demands of complex investigations with family life. Some cases require immediate action and do not allow time for delay, which can result in missed family events and time away from her children. She also noted that working cases involving crimes against children can be emotionally challenging and difficult to forget, and that exposure to those cases can take a toll over time.
Additionally, recent changes in Illinois law, including provisions of the Illinois Safety Act, have presented challenges when it comes to holding offenders in custody while investigations are ongoing. Despite these challenges, she emphasized that protecting victims and ensuring public safety remain the top priorities.
“I am grateful for the support I receive both at home and at work,” Jameson concluded. “The encouragement of my family, particularly my husband, who serves as the McDonough County Coroner, has been instrumental as we balance demanding careers while prioritizing our children and modeling the value of hard work and service “Professionally, I am thankful for the leadership and support of Sheriff Jack Harlan and Chief Deputy Lindsey May for building a strong, proactive investigations unit and for recruiting me to assist within that unit,” Jameson said. “Their commitment to growth, collaboration and accountability has allowed our team to continue developing and improving, which helps strengthen public safety within the community I serve. I am also grateful for the continued support of my colleagues at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, whose dedication and teamwork make this work possible.”
