Four arrested on drug, weapons charges after two traffic stops in Jefferson County

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON COUNTy, Ill., (KBSI) – Four people were arrested on drug and weapons charges following two traffic stops late Monday night in Jefferson County, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies conducted an investigatory stop just before midnight on a 2018 Hyundai Sonata near Illinois Highway 142 and Treadway Lane in rural Mount Vernon.

A K-9 unit from the Mount Vernon Police Department assisted, and authorities said contraband was recovered. The driver, Michael S. Clarida, 53, of Harrisburg, Illinois, was arrested.

Shortly after midnight, deputies conducted a second stop on a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro near South 15th Street and Veterans Memorial Drive in Mount Vernon.

A K-9 unit again assisted, and authorities said additional contraband was located. The driver, Brianna M. Pino, 29, of Collinsville, Illinois, and passengers Timothy S. Kempf, 55, of Collinsville, and Kendall C. Degrave, 32, of Cave-In-Rock, were taken into custody.

All four were transported to the Jefferson County Justice Center and later lodged in the Jefferson County Jail pending detention hearings.

Clarida is charged with methamphetamine conspiracy, delivery and possession with intent to deliver. Pino and Degrave are each charged with methamphetamine trafficking and conspiracy.

Kempf is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and methamphetamine conspiracy.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.