Multiple Arrests Result from Local Drug Bust

Three people were arrested on drug-related offenses in Effingham Monday.

The arrests were the result of a search warrant served at a residence in the 1000 block of St. Anthony Avenue. During the search, over 15 grams of suspected methamphetamine were seized, along with various drug paraphernalia and packaging materials for narcotics sales.

Effingham city police, with the assistance of the Effingham City/County Special Response Team and the Effingham County Sheriff's Department, served the search warrant.

Authorities took 44-year-old Kimberly J. Atkins of Effingham into custody without incident and booked her into Effingham County Jail. Atkins was booked on counts of possession with intent to deliver between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The meth possession with intent to deliver charge is a Class X Felony, meaning six to 30 years in prison if she is convicted. 

(ATKINS)

As law enforcement and the Special Response Team made preparations to serve the warrant, two additional individuals at the location were sought for questioning, detained and subsequently arrested.

21-year-old Kaleb A.J. Godert of Effingham was taken into custody on charges of possession of less than five grams of meth, unlawful possession of a hypodermic needle or syringe, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

(KALEB GODERT)

22-year-old Donovan T.J. Godert of Effingham was arrested on a charge of resisting or obstructing a peace officer. Both were booked into Effingham County Jail and will have their first court appearance on Wednesday.

(DONOVAN GODERT)

Effingham City Police Chief Jason McFarland said his department has received several complaints and tips from local residents about activity at the residence. McFarland said the subsequent investigation led to Monday's arrests. 

The Monday arrests followed the serving of a search warrant at 809 Richland on Friday. One arrest was made in that incident, and McFarland said charges are pending from the serving of the warrant. Several arrests were made at the address on Richland last year.