Welter Receives Prison Term for Aggravated DUI in Rhodes Death

Effingham resident Andrew Welter was sentenced Tuesday to 8-1/2 years in prison for aggravated DUI. Welter was charged in connection with a crash on US Route 40 in April 2021 that resulted in a death.

The 34-year-old Welter was traveling 85MPH in a 55MPH zone and traveling westbound in the eastbound lane of the highway when his vehicle collided with an eastbound vehicle driven by 28-year-old Mara Ferguson of Charleston. Police say Ferguson swerved to the left, but was still struck head-on by the Welter vehicle.

A passenger in the Ferguson vehicle, 29-year-old Alyssa M. Rhodes of Charleston, was fatally injured in the crash. Welter pleaded guilty in February.

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler asked for an 11-year sentence for Welter, while defense attorney Ed Deters requested a five-year sentence. Judge Kevin Parker entered the 8-1/2 year sentence. The maximum possible sentence was 14 years. Kibler said he asked for less than the maximum after Welter entered the guilty plea. Welter will have to serve at least 85% of the sentence. He will also make restitution to the Rhodes family for burial expenses.