CHARLESTON - Tim Willis has found his dream job.

Unfortunately, that leaves a vacancy in Central Illinois for about three months.

Willis, who was a drug prosecutor for cases from the East Central Illinois Task Force for almost four years, has accepted the position of assistant U.S. attorney in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

He said he'll be prosecuting drug cases there, mostly "more serious, more complex cases" involving methamphetamine.

"Being a federal prosecutor has long been a dream of mine," he said. "It's an opportunity to literally have the best job in the world."

Willis said he's looking forward to being able to use the federal government's vast resources to "get the worst offenders off the street."

The Mattoon-based task force is an Illinois State Police unit that uses area police officers to investigate drug cases in Coles County and parts of the surrounding area. The Illinois Appellate Prosecutor's Office funds the prosecutor's position, and Willis said that office indicated to him that budget constraints mean a new prosecutor won't be hired until the first of the year.

Coles County State's Attorney Steve Ferguson said he plans to handle Willis' caseload until a new prosecutor is hired. He said it's up to the Appellate Prosecutor's Office to decide on a replacement, but he's sure the office will consult with him on the appointment, though he doesn't have anyone in mind for the job yet.

Willis is also a former Moultrie County state's attorney.

Ferguson said Willis' move "caught us by surprise" because the U.S. Department of Justice insisted he start his new job sooner than expected. Willis' last day as the task force's prosecutor was Aug. 16 and had been told four days before that he was needed at his new job as soon as possible, Ferguson said.

"He did a very professional job, a very thorough job, and I think he achieved good results," he said of Willis.

"I will truly miss the guys I worked with," Willis said.

Ferguson said Willis' absence shouldn't affect the drug court Coles County is planning to implement. He said he's on the committee developing the court and has attended training for it.

Dave Fopay can be reached at dfopay@;jg-tc.com or 348-5733.