Since late February, Effingham City Police Officers have taken multiple reports for Motor Vehicle Thefts and Burglaries from Motor Vehicles in the area. In the morning hours of March 13, 2024, a vehicle equipped with a GPS monitoring system was reported stolen overnight from a local business, leading to the recovery of the vehicle in Altamont along with the arrest of Daniel C. Lankford, 24, Effingham, who was located at the scene.
After Lankford’s initial arrest, a search warrant was obtained for a residence in Altamont where some of the stolen property was found, including one stolen firearm. Throughout the investigations, Detectives were able to positively identify Lankford as the suspect in at least three Motor Vehicle Thefts and two Burglaries from a Motor Vehicle.
As a result, Lankford was booked into Effingham County Jail for the following charges:
- 5 Counts – Theft Over $10,000 but not more than $100,000 (Motor Vehicle Thefts)
- 2 Counts – Possession of a Stolen Firearm
- 2 Counts – Unlawful Use/Possession of a Weapon by a Felon
- 2 Counts – Burglary from a Motor Vehicle
In addition to Lankford, three other individuals were arrested by Effingham County Sheriff’s Office as a result of the search warrant:
- Heather M. Lindemann, 49, Altamont
- Effingham County Warrant: Possessing Too Many Dogs
- Shyanne L. McCarty, 25, Effingham
- 2 Counts – Possession of Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Braydon T. Shields, 32, Decatur
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Unlawful Possession of Hypodermic Needle/Syringe
Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and Altamont Police Department, as well as Rural Med EMS, assisted during the incident. All cases are still on-going, and additional charges are pending.
According to Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland, “Our relentless pursuit of justice underscores the unwavering dedication of our department to ensure the safety and security of our community. Burglaries and vehicle thefts disrupt and cause financial stress to our residents. Stolen guns in the hands of a repeat offender pose a severe threat to members of our community. As long as there are those who threaten the safety and well-being of our city, our resolve remains unyielding. We will continue to arrest those who break the law and jeopardize the peace, ensuring that our neighborhoods remain safe havens for all.”
ALL INDIVIDUALS LISTED AS ARRESTED OR ISSUED A CITATION ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW
If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department encourages you to call the Police Department immediately at 217-347-0774 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.