Farina Man Arrested on Multiple Charges Following Tuesday Night Crime Spree

A 35-year-old Farina man has been arrested on multiple charges following a Tuesday night crime spree that covered several counties, including Marion, Fayette and Effingham.

Cody Jones is being held in the Effingham County Jail on four counts of motor vehicle theft, two counts of home invasion, DUI-drugs, the use of a stolen firearm in the commission of an offense as well as minor traffic offenses.

Illinois State Police are still compiling information on the series of offenses, but the first vehicle thefts appear to have occurred in the Kinmundy area around 5pm. Jerry Schoreck of Kinmundy and Jessica Lacey of rural Kinmundy both reported vehicle thefts to Marion County Sheriff’s Department. Schoreck’s pickup was found near where the Lacey truck was stolen.

State police say they assisted Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and Farina Police Department around 6pm for an incident where an apparently stolen vehicle was wrecked near Farina.

The incident came to an end in Mason where several other vehicles were damaged.

Jones remains in custody. He is expected to make his initial court appearance on Thursday in Effingham County Court.

State police say some of the vehicles stolen were unlocked with their keys left inside. They encourage residents to secure their valuables to help prevent similar occurrences.