Traffic stop in Franklin County leads to drug and firearm charges

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — A traffic stop Monday, Feb. 2, in rural Franklin County led to drug and firearm charges against two men, Sheriff Kyle Bacon said.

A deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle and identified the driver as Charles E. Shepherd Jr., 66, of Thompsonville. The passenger was identified as Judah Herring, 26, of Bradley.

During the stop, deputies learned Shepherd was wanted in Williamson County for failure to appear on a traffic offense. Authorities also determined Herring was on parole or mandatory supervised release through the Illinois Department of Corrections, according to the sheriff’s office.

Shepherd was arrested, and a search of the vehicle uncovered a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, authorities said. Herring was also arrested and searched, during which a loaded handgun was recovered that had been concealed on his person.

Both men were taken to the Franklin County Jail.

Shepherd was charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding. He is also being held on the Williamson County warrant.

Herring was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony; unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, a Class 2 felony; aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 2 felony; and armed habitual offender, a Class X felony.

Both men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.