Effingham and Vandalia City, Fayette County Authorities Team Up on Arrests for Local Burglaries

Effingham city police worked with Vandalia police and Fayette County sheriff's deputies to arrest two men in relation to burglaries in Effingham.

51-year-old Michael Kiser and 23-year-old Jacob Thompson, both of Louisville, Kentucky were arrested in Fayette County shortly after 9am Thursday.

Effingham police had received a report of a burglary that had just occurred at TA Truckstop on West Evergreen at about 2:12 Thursday morning. The suspects allegedly gained entry into the locked Verizon department by removing a lock from the door. After an initial investigation by the City's Bureau of Patrol, it was determined that 11 cellular phones valued at $7,100 were stolen from the store.

Kiser and Thompson drew suspicion shortly after 3am Thursday during a routine traffic stop conducted by Vandalia police. After arresting both men on local charges, Vandalia officers and Fayette County deputies searched the suspect vehicle. During the search, they discovered numerous cellular phones and a plethora of assorted items they suspected were stolen. Fayette County deputies contacted Effingham city police, and city police detectives furthered the investigation into the suspected stolen items. 

At approximately 9:16am Thursday, city police received a report from Hampton Inn and Suites on Keller Drive of a burglary that had occurred from a linen storage room at the hotel the previous evening. A mini-fridge and bulk linens were discovered stolen. The suspects gained entry into the room by prying an electronic door open.

Detectives continued their investigation into both burglaries, ultimately charging Kiser and Thompson with two counts of burglary each. Both men are being held on separate, unrelated charges at Fayette County Jail, and will be formally charged at a later date in Effingham County. The case is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming as the case is reviewed by the Effingham County State's Attorney's Office.

City Deputy Police Chief Danny Lake said, "Prompt reporting by concerned citizens of the community and excellent information-sharing between law enforcement agencies were keys to bringing such a swift resolution to this case."

Any individual with information about these or any other crime is encouraged to phone Crimestoppers at 217-347-6583 for cash rewards up to $1,000.