Arrest Made of Local Man on Drug Charges

The Effingham City/County Special Response Team made an arrest of a county resident Friday after the suspect was found in possession of drugs and cash.

Team members served a search warrant at the Layton Barnes residence on 400th Avenue in rural Mason on Friday afternoon. During the serving of the warrant, Barnes was located on the property, along with methamphetamine, cannabis, drug equipment, firearm ammunition, and an amount of US currency termed "unusual" by authorities, adjacent to the illegal narcotics. 

Barnes has been charged with a Class X felony count of Methamphetamine Delivery, punishable by up to six to 30 years in prison. Layton was also charged with Class 1 felony counts of Manufacture or Delivery of Cannabis as well as Possession of Meth, and a Class 3 felony count of Possession of a Revoked FOID Card. All three of those counts also carry possible prison terms. 

Barnes' bond was set at $75,000. He is next due in court with his attorney on Wednesday.

Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns said sheriff's office patrol deputies developed this case, along with county detectives. Kuhns said that Altamont and Effingham city patrol officers, the Effingham County State's Attorney's Office, the City/County SR Team, and Effingham city police detectives also assisted the sheriff's office in the case. Kuhns reminded that the partnership involving all state and local police agencies benefit the entire community. He said that is especially true with the Effingham city police officers and Police Chief Jason McFarland.

Kuhns said, "We have empathy for people suffering from addiction; police officers witness the damage it does on a daily basis, but if you are selling drugs in our community, we will do our best to stop you."