Effingham Man Charged w/Distributing Drugs Allegedly Involved in a Death

(BRUMMERSTEDT)

An Effingham man has been arrested after his indictment by an Effingham County Grand Jury on drug charges. The charges allegedly involve the death of a Vandalia resident.

27-year-old Kennedy Brummerstedt was arrested on counts of unlawful possession with intent to deliver both LSD and Hydrocodone, methamphetamine delivery, and unlawful possession of methamphetamine.

The charges stemmed from an incident on August 22, when Effingham city police were dispatched to the 200 block of Lakewood Manor Drive for an unresponsive subject. Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes later pronounced 25-year-old Darcey Depaolo of Vandalia dead at the residence from an apparent drug overdose. During the death investigation, information that was related to narcotics distribution was discovered. Investigators obtained search warrants to gather additional information. The case was then presented to Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler for consideration, and Kibler took the matter before the Grand Jury, which led to the charges against Brummerstedt. 

The Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver LSD and Hydrocodone counts are Class X Felonies, which could lead to prison terms of from six to 30 years.

Effingham City Police Chief Jason McFarland said, "Illegal narcotics use and trafficking is something we take seriously in our community. I praise the hard work and determination of our officers and staff at EPD who follow up on every lead and detail regarding illegal narcotic activity."

McFarland also encourages you or anyone you know who is suffering with narcotics addiction to please seek treatment.