(EFFINGHAM, IL) — A 33-year-old Farina woman who stopped for a coffee and a smoke after crashing into an Effingham hotel has been sentenced to 7 ½ years in prison after she pleaded guilty this week in Effingham County Court to driving under the influence. Rachel Jones drove her car into the lobby of Comfort Suites in Effingham and then helped herself to a cup of coffee at the desk before lighting up a cigarette and telling everyone to get back to work. Jones pleaded guilty Monday to a Class 2 felony count of aggravated DUI in exchange for a Class 3 felony charge of criminal damage being dismissed. In addition to her prison term, Jones was ordered to pay $1,250 in fines and fees, plus $5,612 in restitution. In February Jones was found unfit to stand trial, and was ordered to undergo treatment at McFarland Mental Health Center in Decatur. She ultimately achieved fitness and was returned to the Effingham County Jail to await a January 9 jury trial.
