Two Incidents Leading to Drug Arrests in City

Effingham city police were involved in two investigations that led to four arrests related to drugs.

A search warrant served on a residence in the 600 block of West Lawrence Avenue in August has led to charges against two individuals.

30-year-old Zachary T. Hodgkin of Effingham has been charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, those substances being fentanyl and heroin. Hodgkin was also charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a felon.

(HODGKIN)

28-year-old Alicia M. Kessler of Effingham has been charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, those substances being fentanyl and heroin, as well as possession of a controlled substance.

(KESSLER)

Unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver carries a maximum prison sentence of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon is a Class 2 felony, punishable by up to three to seven years in prison. Possession of a controlled substance is a Class 4 felony, which could result in up to one to three years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

Effingham City Police Chief Jason McFarland said, "Fentanyl is a powerful and dangerous synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and can easily lead to overdose deaths. I sincerely appreciate the combined effort and teamwork of the Effingham Police Department, Effingham Fire Department, Effingham County Sheriff's Department, Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force and the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System. Their relentless pursuit of illegal narcotics in our community is second to none."

Meanwhile, after receiving a tip from the community regarding an ongoing investigation, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Four Seasons Estates in Effingham on Tuesday. Items seized included methamphetamine, paraphernalia, scales, bags, ammunition and other contraband items.

As a result, two arrests have been made. 

28-year-old Gaige B. McWhorter of Effingham was arrested on counts of delivery or possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and possession of ammunition by a felon.

(McWHORTER)

34-year-old Bridgit M. Boyt of Effingham was arrested on a count of delivery of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. 

(BOYT)

Delivery or possession of meth with intent to deliver is a Class 1 felony punishable by six to 30 years in prison as well as a $100,000 fine. Possession of ammunition by a felon is a Class 3 felony punishable by up to two to 10 years in prison.

Chief McFarland said, "This investigation all started with a tip from a community member. It's our local citizens that step forward with information that help our efforts to curb illegal narcotic activity in the community that we care so much about. Members of Effingham Police Department were assisted by the Effingham County Sheriff's Department and the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force. The collaborative effort from tip, to investigation, to arrest is a great example that if you see something, say something."