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Flora Man Nabbed in Attempted Kidnapping

By Tony Collins Jan 20, 2024 | 7:05 AM

Reports out of Effingham, IL say a Flora man was arrested Friday for attempted kidnapping.

The incident happened at about 7 a.m. Friday when Effingham police and Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a hotel lobby in the 1300 block of Mid America on a report of an attempted kidnapping.  Police said a physical altercation between the subject, identified as 37 year old Matthew J. Kelledes of Flora, hotel staff and patrons occurred prior to police arriving.  In a matter of minutes, police engaged Kelledes and the use of non-lethal tasers were deployed.  A child was unharmed in the incident.

Kelledes was taken into custody and lodged in the Effingham County Jail for an Illinois Department of Corrections warrant and pending charges from Friday’s incident.  Kidnapping is a Class 2 felony punishable by 3 to 7 years in prison, and a fine of up to $25,000.

The incident is being investigated by the Effingham City Police and Effingham County State’s Attorney Office.