10 People Arrested in Narcotics Investigation

(TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: ALEXA FELDHAKE, ALEXANDER GRAY II, AUSTIN PARKER, DAVID GRAY, JOSHUA MAYBERRY; BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: KRISTEN HODGE, KYLE SWINGLER, MAURICE THOMPSON, MICHAEL WHITAKER, MITCHELL TUTTLE)

10 people have been arrested in a multi-agency narcotics operation. 

The Effingham Police Department and the Effingham County Sheriff's Department, working in conjunction with the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, Illinois State Police, US Marshal's Service, and an FBI Task Force were involved in the investigation and the arrests. The investigation was of numerous alleged dealers of methamphetamine, heroin, and other controlled substances, such as illegally obtained prescription narcotics.

The information was presented to the Effingham County State's Attorney's Office and the US District Court for the Southern District of Illinois for prosecution.

Those federally indicted and the charges they face:

Kyle W. Sinkler, 30, Mason--conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin involving 50 grams or more of meth OR 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing meth

Kristen A. Hodge, 34, Effingham--conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin involving 50 grams of more of meth OR 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing meth AND a count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine involving 50 grams or more of meth

Michael A. Whitaker, 32, of Shumway--conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin involving 50 grams or more of meth OR 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing meth AND a count of distribution of methamphetamine

Maurice A. Thompson, 30, of Danville--conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin involving 50 grams or more of meth OR 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing meth AND a count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine involving 50 grams or more of meth

The maximum statutory penalties are as follows:

conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin involving 50 grams or more of meth OR 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing meth--10 years to life imprisonment, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million

possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine involving 50 grams or more--five to 40 years imprisonment, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million

distribution of methamphetamine--up to 20 years imprisonment, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million

possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine involving 50 grams or more of meth--five to 40 years imprisonment, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million

Effingham City Police report the agencies targeted narcotics dealers and suppliers by working together and combining intelligence, 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.

They are:

David K. Gray, 44, of Wheeler--conspiracy to deliver five to 15 grams of methamphetamine, two counts of delivery of less than five grams of meth, and conspiracy to deliver less than five grams of meth

Alexander W. Gray II, 24, of Effingham--delivery of five to 15 grams of methamphetamine and delivery of less than five grams of meth

Austin A. Parker, 18, of Effingham--delivery of a controlled substance and delivery of five to 15 grams of methamphetamine

Mitchell D. Tuttle, 22, of Stewardson--two counts of delivery of less than five grams of methamphetamine

Joshua D. Mayberry, 28, of Effingham--two counts of delivery of less than five grams of methamphetamine and delivery of controlled substance

Alexa J. Feldhake, 23, of Neoga--delivery of five to 15 grams of methamphetamine and two counts of delivery of less than five grams of methamphetamine

Conspiracy to deliver 5 to 15 grams of methamphetamine and delivery of five to 15 grams of meth are Class 1 felonies, punishable by four to 15 years imprisonment, two years of supervised release and a fine of up to $25,000.

Delivery of less than five grams of methamphetamine and conspiracy to deliver less than five grams of meth are Class 2 felonies, punishable by three to seven years imprisonment, two years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $25,000.

Delivery of a controlled substance is a Class 3 felony, punishable by two to five years in prison, one 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.”

Authorities say 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.