Judge orders man not to drink, goes to lunch, sees him drinking

When Circuit Judge William Syler put Jacob V. Vandeven on probation Monday morning for drunken driving, he ordered him not to drink.

But less than a half-hour later, Vandeven was seen hoisting an adult beverage at Tractor's Classic American Grill in Jackson.

By Syler.

Vandeven, 27, of Whitewater, was charged originally with felony driving while intoxicated after a Nov. 20, 2004, accident with injuries in Cape Girardeau. Prosecutors agreed to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor, and Vandeven pleaded guilty.

The restaurant he chose to celebrate is the same one Syler chose for lunch with deputy circuit clerk Karen Nabe, court reporter Sheilia Irvin and probation officer David Bertrand. All four were in court when Vandeven received his sentence.

Syler issued a warrant for Vandeven's arrest Monday afternoon and set the bond at $20,000, cash only.

Vandeven was arrested Tuesday. The details of the court action and later lunchtime spotting of Vandeven by Syler and companions is detailed in the motion to revoke probation filed Tuesday by Cape Girardeau Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle.

Vandeven was being held Tuesday evening at the Cape Girardeau County Jail.

Syler would not comment Tuesday on what he saw. Neither would Bertrand.

Abstaining from spirits is a standard clause in most probation orders. The orders also usually bar the probationer from entering any establishment that sells drinks or being around people who are drinking.

No date has been set for a court appearance. Syler could sentence Vandeven to serve up to six months in the county jail.

rkeller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126