MONROE — Derek Hammer, who faces several felonies and lingering suspicion related to the disappearance of his former girlfriend, failed in his bid to have his bond reduced by a Green County judge last week.
According to District Attorney Craig Nolen and court records, Hammer’s attempt to lower his bond comes amid a number of motions in advance of an upcoming trial on several felonies. He already pleaded guilty last April to misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges and was sentenced to jail time but the larger investigation into the disappearance of 37-year-old Melissa Trumpy of Monticello continues.
Hammer faces a host of felony charges in Green County, including bail jumping, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver; possession of THC with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug trafficking place, and possession of a firearm as a felon. He remains in custody on a $70,000 bond and has already posted $10,000 Nolen said.
Hammer is thought to be among the last people to see Trumpy, alive. The mother of three has been missing since October 2021 — ever since authorities said the 37-year-old set out in her car for Hammer’s home in Stephenson County.
Illinois authorities are leading the investigating into her disappearance on that side of the border and also are working with other law enforcement agencies, including federal investigators.
Nolen declined to comment on any of the cases or the Trumpy investigation. Attorney Nils Wyosnick represented Hammer in court for the July 20 hearing and told Judge Duane M. Jorgenson that he is not a flight risk, according to court records.
Hammer earlier this year waived extradition from both Carroll County and Stephenson Counties, where he faces additional felony charges.
Citizen groups and volunteers continue to search for the missing woman and push for justice in the case. A change.org petition posted online last year garnered over 800 signatures in support of keeping Hammer in jail with no bond.
He is scheduled to appear on the case again at 9 a.m. Oct. 5. Nolen said that hearing is related to additional pre-trial motions.