Altamont Man Receives Federal Prison Sentence

A U.S District judge sentenced an Effingham County man to 188 months in prison after he admitted guilt to two federal drug charges.

Tyler R. Schumacher, 37, of Altamont pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of methamphetamine.

“This hefty prison sentence is a nod to the efforts of law enforcement officers working to disband drug distribution rings in southeastern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I applaud the collaboration between departments to apprehend this criminal.”

According to court documents, Schumacher conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Effingham County from 2019 until June 2022. On Feb. 22, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Schumacher’s Effingham County residence and seized methamphetamine, cocaine, money bands, an assortment of plastic bags and more than $5,000 in cash.

Following his prison sentence, Schumacher will serve five years of supervised release. In addition, he was ordered to pay a $500 fine and $200 in special assessments.

The investigation was conducted by the Effingham County Sheriff's Office, the Effingham City Police Department, and the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force. Assistance was also provided by the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns released a statement on the conclusion of the case: "The release highlights the cooperation of our local Police Agencies. You often hear the Police Chief and the Sheriff pointing out cooperation among agencies, because it is important. In this case the County, Effingham City, the State, and our Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force worked together for the benefit of the community. We will do our part to continue to work with the community and our neighboring agencies to better serve."