Published on June 23, 2025 4:50 pm
Last Updated on June 23, 2025 4:50 pm
An Effingham man has pleaded guilty to a felony count of residential arson for actions that resulted in fire damage to a mobile home.
47-year-old Michael McWhorter was arrested in the early morning hours of July 2024 after a fire was reported at a residence in Lakewood Manor Mobile Home Park on Effingham’s northwest side. Effingham city police and firefighters were called to the scene just before 1:30am. Police were on scene first and observed a fire close to the structure that had spread to the structure’s exterior and used a fire extinguisher to smother the fire. Damage to the exterior of the mobile home was estimated at $1,000.
An adult and two young children were inside the mobile home at the time of the incident, but no one was injured.
Effingham County State’s Attorney Aaron Jones said the decision to proceed with the case as they did came following contact with witnesses and with those who were inside the structure.
McWhorter was placed on two years’ probation. He was sentenced to 154 days in jail, and must make restitution for the damage done and pay fines.
