Macon Judge Blocks Subpoena Request in Heritage vs. St. Teresa Dispute

Legal Battle Between Heritage Behavioral Health Center and St. Teresa High School Continues

A legal dispute between Heritage Behavioral Health Center and St. Teresa High School has taken another turn as both parties continue to present their arguments in court. The conflict, which began earlier this year, centers around the health center's plans to move into a new location adjacent to the high school.

The recent court session on Wednesday saw the judge denying Heritage’s request to block subpoenas issued by St. Teresa. These subpoenas aim to obtain information that is critical to the ongoing case. The legal battle started in January when St. Teresa filed an injunction to prevent Heritage from relocating to a building next door. The high school is situated at 2700 N. Water Street in Decatur, while Heritage recently purchased the former North Gate mall located at 2800 N. Water Street.

St. Teresa argued that the proximity of the clinic—within 500 feet of their building—poses a risk to the school environment. In court documents, the school cited concerns about patients who may loiter near their current facility, including individuals with histories of drug addiction, mental health disorders, and sex offenders. Additionally, St. Teresa claimed that the police department has received over 100 calls related to the health clinic in the past five years.

In response, Heritage filed a motion to dismiss the injunction in February. The health center argued that the school did not provide sufficient evidence to support the injunction under Illinois law and that St. Teresa failed to demonstrate a real and immediate injury from the relocation. In May, a Macon County judge ruled in favor of Heritage, dismissing the injunction. The court described St. Teresa’s allegations as “vague, conclusory, speculative, and without factual support.” It also rejected claims that the move would negatively impact donations and tuition revenues.

Following the dismissal, St. Teresa had 28 days to file an amended complaint, which they submitted on June 16. The school then filed a Notice of Deposition, seeking records from Heritage in early July. Heritage responded with a motion to quash the request, but it was denied on August 6.

Both parties have remained active in the legal proceedings. St. Teresa’s attorney, Jerrold Stocks, emphasized the importance of transparency in the decision-making process. “Today’s decision is a step in that direction,” he said in an email.

Heritage, on the other hand, remains committed to moving forward with its project. In a statement, President and CEO Mary Garrison highlighted the organization’s mission to improve mental and physical well-being in the community. “We are resilient and will not allow the challenges and stigma we are facing from St. Teresa High School to negatively impact our moving forward with this project to ensure access to care for all in our community.”

A new motion to dismiss St. Teresa’s amended complaint has been filed, and a hearing is scheduled for September 4. The outcome of this hearing could significantly influence the future of Heritage’s relocation plans. As the legal battle continues, both sides remain determined to protect their interests and advance their respective missions.