Published on January 12, 2026 2:22 pm
Last Updated on January 12, 2026 2:33 pm
Effingham City Police took a Montrose man into custody around 1:00 P.M. on Friday, January 9, after receiving a report that morning, alleging inappropriate electronic messages involving a child. Investigators immediately identified the suspect as Dakota (Kody) M. Czerwonka, 32, of Montrose.
According to a press release from the Effingham Police Department, Czerwonka was arrested and booked into the Effingham County Jail on the following charges:
• Grooming – Luring Child to Commit Sex Offense or Engaging in Unlawful Sexual Conduct With a Child – Class 4 Felony
• Sexual Exploitation of a Child – Class 4 Felony
If convicted, both charges are punishable by a prison sentence of 1 to 3 years, a fine of up to $25,000, and mandatory sex offender registration.
An initial court appearance is being held today to determine eligibility for continued detention under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act. Grooming is a detainable offense under the SAFE-T Act, and individuals charged with this violation of law can be detained pre-trial. Because Czerwonka is the founder and a teacher at Crossroads Montessori School, located in the Lincolnland Building, Effingham, and the charges stem from reported electronic messages sent to a student who is a minor, Effingham Police Department is in support of detention.
According to Police Chief Kurt Davis, the speed of the initial investigation was critical due to the nature of the offense and the immediate threat posed to the community. “After reviewing the content of the case after it was reported to our Department, officers immediately identified a very real safety risk and promptly effected an arrest of the subject, thereby eliminating any further opportunities for this individual to be in contact with other students or children. I’m very pleased with their efforts. They showed dedication to ensuring the safety of our community through these actions.”
Effingham Police are investigating the case, and no additional information has been released.
