Former EMT At Troy Admits Addiction, Pleads Guilty To Drug Crime

SHOREWOOD — It's been 11 months since the Shorewood Police Department issued a warrant for the arrest of Alex Wilhelmi, a Joliet resident from the 1100 block of Taylor Street who worked as a contract employee for Metro Paramedic Services assigned to the Troy Fire Protection District's Seil Road Station No. 2. In May 2023, the fire district called the Shorewood police after discovering Wilhelmi was keeping his cocaine inside his locker at the fire station, in addition to responding to area emergency calls.

After spending four days in the Will County Jail last November, in connection with his arrest, Wilhelmi recently returned to the Will County Courthouse, taking responsibility for his crime. He pleaded guilty to the felony offense of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

According to court records, Wilhelmi submitted to drug testing on August 5 and his results showed he was clean. A Will County judge accepted his guilty plea. Under the plea agreement, Wilhelmi's other pending charges were dismissed.

A conviction was entered by the judge, and Wilhelmi's case has been assigned to Will County Drug Court; he entered a contract with court officials acknowledging he has a drug addiction. Wilhelmi will not have to face any additional jail or prison time if he successfully completes the drug court program during the next year.

Court records indicate Wilhelmi submitted to additional drug testing on Aug. 13 and Aug. 15, and he was found in compliance.

However, there were consequences for his actions. Because of his guilty plea, Wilhelmi was ordered to have no contact, unless for medical or fire-related issues, with the Troy Fire Station No. 2 on West Seil Road, and he must have no contact with the Morris Hospital in Morris.

On May 8, 2023, Wilhelmi possessed cocaine, according to last September's criminal complaint from Shorewood Police Detective Paul Retzke. Wilhelmi also unlawfully possessed ketamine and the theft charge states Wilhelmi obtained or exerted unauthorized control over property from the Morris Hospital at 150 West High St., specifically medical narcotics, "with the intent to deprive the owner permanently of the use or benefit of said property."

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Paramedic Who Stole Drugs From Hospital Captured: Joliet Police

Shorewood Paramedic Alex Wilhelmi Faces Drug Charges, Theft