A recent case in Madison County has drawn significant attention after a Godfrey man was indicted on multiple felony charges following a domestic incident that also led deputies to uncover a large cannabis grow operation. The incident underscores the serious legal consequences that can arise when violence and illegal drug activity intersect.
On Aug. 14, a Madison County grand jury indicted Kevin Matthew Buel, 47, of the 7100 block of Westwind Drive in Godfrey, on a wide range of charges. The Godfrey man faces allegations including armed violence and unlawful manufacture or delivery of cannabis, both Class X felonies. Other charges include aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated domestic battery, possession of cannabis manufacturing equipment, reckless discharge of a firearm, and two counts of domestic battery.
According to court documents, the charges stem from an incident on July 29. Authorities allege that the Godfrey man was armed with a semi-automatic handgun while in possession of more than 5,000 grams of cannabis. Reports further indicate that he discharged the firearm in the direction of another person, strangled a household member, and fired the weapon in close proximity to a victim inside the residence.
The victim, who reported being the Godfrey man’s girlfriend, told investigators that the altercation began while they were driving to his home. During the drive, he allegedly struck her. Once at the residence, the conflict escalated. The victim claims he forced her face into a plastic tote, obstructing her breathing, before displaying a firearm and firing shots near her. She eventually fled the home while the Godfrey man allegedly continued firing as she ran.
Law enforcement officers later located the victim at a nearby residence, where she displayed visible bruising and redness consistent with her report. A subsequent search of Buel’s residence revealed multiple bullet holes in the home, along with a spent bullet and casings.
The indictment of the Godfrey man highlights not only the risks associated with domestic violence but also the serious penalties tied to large-scale cannabis production. Authorities stress that the individual remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and all charges are subject to legal process.
As the case moves forward, the community watches closely. The situation serves as a reminder of the dangers posed when firearms, domestic disputes, and illegal substances collide and the severe consequences faced by those accused of such actions.