Arrests Made for Burglary, Vehicle Theft and Arson

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler announced that two individuals were arrested late Tuesday night on multiple felony charges related to a series of burglaries occurring at local businesses during the past week in the Effingham area. Also, the pair were arrested in connection to a recent vehicle theft where the vehicle was later found damaged by fire.

 

The first individual arrested was a 17-year old juvenile, male suspect. His case has been filed in juvenile court, and he has been placed in juvenile detention.

 

The second individual arrested was Zachary T. Gillespie, 26, of Altamont. His initial court appearance was on October 27th at 11:00 a.m. where his bond was set by the Effingham County Circuit Court at $75,000. Gillespie is next scheduled to appear in court on November 1.

 

Both Gillespie and the juvenile were charged with the following eight felony charges, all of which are Class 2 felonies punishable by 3-7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections if sentenced as an adult.

 

Count 1- Arson- The suspects are alleged to have set fire to a 2001 Silver Dodge Ram Pick-Up Truck owned by Greg Schuette of Effingham. Schuette's vehicle was reported stolen around October 17, and the vehicle was found after it was damaged by fire.

 

Count 2- Possession of a Stolen or Converted Vehicle- The suspects are alleged to have possessed the truck owned by Schuette.

 

Counts 3—8 are all burglary charges as the suspects are alleged to have burglarized Joe's Liquor Cabinet located in Effingham between October 23 and 24. Danny's Quick Sak located in rural Effingham between October 23 and 24. Lidy Graphics in rural Effingham between October 21, and 24. Fresh Diggs on Banker Street in the city of Effingham between October 21, and 22. Wright At Home Decor located on Hoffman Drive in Effingham on October 22. State Beauty Supply located on Hoffman Drive in Effingham on October 22.

 

These arrests were the result of a joint investigation between the Effingham City Police Department, the Effingham County Sheriff's Department, and the Effingham County State's Attorney's Office. State's Attorney Kibler concluded, "I was impressed by the teamwork and cooperation between the City Police Department and the Sheriff's Department. Each department had a team of officers working around the clock to solve these crimes. The efforts of these departments demonstrate that anything is possible when everyone works together."