Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- Area Law Enforcement Agencies joined forces to conduct targeted enforcement of narcotics distribution in and around the Effingham area. The Effingham Police Department and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, working in conjunction with Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, Illinois State Police, United States Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations Task Force, conducted investigations regarding numerous alleged dealers of methamphetamine (Schedule II Controlled Substance), heroin (Schedule I Controlled Substance), and other controlled substances such as illegally obtained prescription narcotics. The information discovered during this investigation, along with other ongoing investigations, was presented to the Effingham County States Attorney’s Office and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois for prosecution. The following indictments were obtained:
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS INDICTMENTS:
Kyle W. Sinkler, 30, Mason
- Count 1: Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; or, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance, containing methamphetamine
Kristen A. Hodge, 34, Effingham
- Count 1: Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; or, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance, containing methamphetamine
- Count 2: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
Michael R. Whitaker, 32, Shumway
- Count 1: Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin
- Count 2: 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; or, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance, containing methamphetamine
- Count 3: Distribution of Methamphetamine
Maurice A. Thompson, 30, Danville
- Count 1: Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; or 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine
- Count 3: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
The maximum statutory penalties for these four counts are:
- Count 1: 10 years to life imprisonment; at least 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
- Count 2: 5 years to 40 years imprisonment; at least 4 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000.
- Count 3: Up to 20 years imprisonment; at least 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
- Count 4: 5 years to 40 years imprisonment; at least 4 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000.
The Agencies targeted narcotic dealers and suppliers by working together and combining intel, resources, and manpower. In addition to the federal indictments, six other individuals were charged in Effingham County for various narcotics delivery charges as a result of the directed operation:
EFFINGHAM COUNTY:
David K. Gray, 44, Wheeler
- Conspiracy to Deliver 5-15 grams Methamphetamine – Class 1 Felony • 2 Counts – Delivery of <5 grams Methamphetamine – Class 2 Felony • Conspiracy to Deliver <5 grams Methamphetamine – Class 2 Felony
Alexandar W. Gray II, 24, Effingham
- Delivery 5-15 grams Methamphetamine – Class 1 Felony
- Delivery <5 grams Methamphetamine – Class 2 Felony
Austin A. Parker, 18, Effingham
- Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Class 3 Felony
- Delivery 5-15 grams Methamphetamine – Class 1 Felony
Mitchell D. Tuttle, 22, Stewardson
- 2 Counts – Delivery <5 grams Methamphetamine – Class 2 Felony
Joshua D. Mayberry, 28, Effingham
- 2 Counts – Delivery <5 grams Methamphetamine – Class 2 Felony
- Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Class 3 Felony
Alexa J. Feldhake, 23, Neoga
- Delivery 5-15 grams Methamphetamine – Class 1 Felony
- 2 Counts – Delivery <5 grams Methamphetamine – Class 2 Felony
The maximum statutory penalties for these felonies in Illinois are:
- Class 1 Felony: 4 years to 15 years imprisonment; 2 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $25,000.
- Class 2 Felony: 3 years to 7 years imprisonment; 2 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $25,000.
- Class 3 Felony: 2 years to 5 years imprisonment; 1 year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $25,000.
Effingham County Sheriff Dave Mahon noted, “Having one of our Sheriff’s Deputies permanently assigned to the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force has afforded the City and the County the ability to follow these drug dealers outside our jurisdiction to help stop the flow of illegal narcotics into our community.”
Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland detailed the focus to get narcotics off the streets, stating, “Investigating and arresting narcotics dealers is a priority for the Effingham Police Department. We are aggressive in seeking out dealers and working with other agencies to meet our goal of getting those dealers off the streets. The hard work and joint effort that occurred between all agencies paid off with tremendous results. I am very proud of the work of all the personnel who contributed to this effort.”
Drug users were not the focus of these operations; Effingham Police Department and Effingham County Sheriff’s Office desire that individuals addicted to illegal narcotics and illegally abused prescription medicine seek and receive treatment to overcome their addictions.
ALL INDIVIDUALS LISTED AS ARRESTED OR ISSUED A CITATION ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW
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