(Photo credit: Effingham PD Facebook page)
Effingham Police took a Montrose man into custody at approximately 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 9th, 2026, following a report earlier that morning alleging inappropriate electronic messages involving a child.
Investigators identified the suspect as 32-year-old Dakota “Kody” M. Czerwonka, of Montrose. Czerwonka was arrested and booked into the Effingham County Jail on two felony charges: Grooming – Luring a Child to Commit a Sex Offense or Engaging in Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Child, a Class 4 felony, and Sexual Exploitation of a Child, also a Class 4 felony.
If convicted, each charge carries a possible sentence of one to three years in prison, a fine of up to $25,000, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
An initial court appearance was scheduled for Friday to determine eligibility for continued detention under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act. Grooming is a detainable offense under the SAFE-T Act. Police said they support pre-trial detention in this case due to Czerwonka’s role as founder and teacher at Crossroads Montessori School, located in the Lincolnland Building in Effingham, and because the reported messages allegedly involved a student who is a minor.
Effingham Police Chief Kurt Davis said the rapid response was necessary given the seriousness of the allegations.
“After reviewing the content of the case after it was reported to our department, officers immediately identified a very real safety risk and promptly effected an arrest of the subject, thereby eliminating any further opportunities for this individual to be in contact with other students or children,” Davis said. “I’m very pleased with their efforts. They showed dedication to ensuring the safety of our community through these actions.”
Effingham Police investigators say the investigation is ongoing. No additional information is being released at this time.