Man on parole arrested after traffic stop in Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, Ill. (KBSI) – A man out on parole was arrested in Mount Vernon after police say he was found with a firearm.

Officers and detectives from the Mt. Vernon Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Joint Narcotics Division stopped a vehicle at 12th and Forest in Mt. Vernon on Monday, June 19 at 6:35 p.m.

Detectives identified a male passenger as James Lomax and learned he was on parole with the Illinois Department of Corrections for felon in possession of a firearm and aggravated battery.

During the contact with Lomax, police say detectives found a loaded handgun in the vehicle along with narcotics.

Lomax faces charges of armed habitual criminal and felon in possession of a firearm while on parole.

Police say he has an extensive history of firearms related charges. He has four previous convictions for firearm related charges in Jefferson County dating from 2013-2019.

The Illinois Department of Corrections was notified of the arrest of Lomax and a parole violation warrant was issued.

Lomax was incarcerated in the Jefferson County Justice Center with no bond.

Lomax is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.