Jennings County traffic stop leads to meth bust

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near U.S. Highway 50 and 5th Street after observing a traffic infraction on Monday, August 24, at around 2 a.m.

While speaking with the occupants, Jessica Meek and Tony Napier II, the deputy developed reasonable suspicion of additional criminal activity. Deputy K-9 Creed alerted to the odor of narcotics inside the vehicle.

JCSO subsequently conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and allegedly located drug-related items that field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Both occupants were taken into custody.

After being arrested, the female passenger supposedly admitted to having illegal narcotics concealed on her person. She was transported to the Jennings County Jail, where the suspected narcotics were recovered by female jail staff. The substance subsequently field-tested positive for fentanyl.

Napier and Meek were both remanded to the custody of jail staff on the following preliminary charges:

• Possession of Meth (Level 6 Felony)
• Possession of a Narcotic Drug (Level 6 Felony)

The charges listed above are preliminary, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation remains ongoing. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.