A trio of Effingham County residents are facing federal drug charges.
Kimberly J. Atkins, 45, Effingham, and Tyler R. Schumacher, 36, and Jennifer M. Hazlett, 34, both of Altamont, were each charged in a separate federal Indictment with methamphetamine related offenses Wednesday.
Atkins was charged in a five-count indictment. Counts 1 to 4 charge that Atkins distributed methamphetamine on Jan. 24, 26 (two times) and March 9. Count 5 charges that on April 11 she possessed meth with the intent to distribute it. All the crimes are alleged to have occurred in Effingham County.
Counts 1 and 5 each carry penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment, a maximum $1 million fine, and supervised release of at least three years. Counts 2 to 4 each carry penalties of five to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $4 million fine and supervised release not less than four years.
Schumacher was charged in a two-count indictment. Count 1 charges that from about 2019 until on or about June 3 of this year, in Effingham County, parts of southern Illinois, Kentucky and elsewhere, Schumacher conspired with others to distribute more than 50 grams of meth.
Count 2 charges that on Feb. 22, in Effingham County, Schumacher possessedmore than 5 grams of meth with intent to distribute.
Count 1 carries penalties of 10 years up to life in prison, a maximum $10 million fine and supervised release of at least five years. Count 2 carries penalties of five to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $4 million fine and at least four years supervised release.
Hazlett also faces a two-count indictment. Count 1 charges that on March 23, in Effingham County, Hazlett distributed more than 50 grams of meth. Count 2 charges that on March 30, in Effingham County, she distributed more than 5 grams of meth.
Count 1 carries penalties of 10 years up to life in prison, a maximum $10 million fine and supervised release of at least five years. Count 2 carries penalties of five to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $4 million fine and at least four years supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, 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.