Effingham Man Found Guilty of Firing Shots at Local Motel

Up to 15 years in prison awaits an Effingham man found guilty Thursday of firing shots at a local motel.

A jury found 27-year-old Micah Ward guilty on counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, felon in possession of a weapon, and possession of ammunition by a felon. Ward was found guilty of discharging a weapon at Motel 6 on West Fayette the night of November 12, 2021. Police found spent shell casings in the immediate vicinity of the motel. After securing the scene, interviewing multiple witnesses, and reviewing video footage, they later located Ward in the 1200 block of Wenthe Drive.

The trial began Tuesday; the case went to the jury at 12:15pm and they returned a verdict about 2pm. 

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said the aggravated discharge of a firearm charge is a Class 1 Felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison, while the other two charges are Class 3 Felonies, punishable by lesser sentences.

Ward is due to be sentenced on May 9.