CREAL SPRINGS, Ill. (KFVS) – Two individuals are in custody following a traffic stop in Williamson County, Illinois, on October 1. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office reported that at 11:44 p.m., deputies observed a vehicle committing multiple traffic violations while traveling eastbound on Keely Street in Creal Springs.
Upon stopping the vehicle, the occupants were identified as James D. Long of Harrisburg and Andrea M. Bozarth of Creal Springs. Long was found to have two outstanding arrest warrants and was driving on a suspended license.
During an inventory of the vehicle, deputies discovered a digital scale and drug paraphernalia that tested positive for methamphetamine. Additionally, Long was identified as a felon unlawfully in possession of firearm ammunition.
The sheriff’s office noted that the vehicle contained several suspicious items, including multiple cut car stereos, residential items, and other personal effects, all photographed and sent to detectives for further investigation.
A more detailed search revealed a hidden compartment, known as a “hide-a-box,” attached to the metal frame rail under the vehicle near the driver’s door. This compartment contained multiple bags of a white crystal-like substance and several smoking devices. The bags later field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Long was charged with:
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Unlawful use of a weapon/ammunition
- False or secret compartment
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Driving while license suspended
- Failure to signal when required
- Disobeying a stop sign
- Operating an uninsured vehicle
Bozarth was also cited for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Both Long and Bozarth were taken into custody and are now held at the Williamson County Jail.