We are seeing a recent increase in scams in our area. Scammers may contact you by phone, text, email or social media while pretending to be a trusted source and they can be very convincing. Never send money to someone you do not know or cannot verify. A legitimate business will never require you to pay money to receive winnings or prizes and you should never be asked to purchase prepaid or gift cards and provide the gift card information to someone else. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you receive a suspicious message or request, do not respond. Verify the source directly and report it to local authorities. Please take time to talk with your loved ones, as scammers often target the elderly. Sharing this information can help protect everyone in our community.

On March 20, deputies observed an individual known to have a revoked driver’s license operating a motor vehicle. Deputies conducted a traffic stop in Montgomery City and confirmed that the individual’s driving privileges had been revoked for a period of 10 years. The driver was subsequently arrested, transported to the MC Jail and charged with driving while revoked.

Also on March 20, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Long Road after observing a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign. During the course of the stop deputies conducted a search of the vehicle. During the search a methamphetamine pipe containing methamphetamine was located concealed beneath the carpet. The driver was arrested, transported to the MC Jail and charged with possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to stop at a stop sign.

Again on March 20, deputies were reviewing recent booking reports and noticed a sex offender had been arrested for driving while suspended in New Florence. Further investigation revealed the Offender had not updated the registry with the new vehicle. Charges for failing to register as a sex offender have been forwarded to the Montgomery County Prosecutor for charges.

On March 21, deputies conducted a traffic stop in Bellflower after observing a vehicle being operated in a reckless manner. During the course of the stop deputies determined the driver did not possess a valid driver’s license. Further investigation resulted in the discovery of a plastic bag containing methamphetamine inside the vehicle. Both the driver and passenger were arrested and transported to the MC Jail. The driver was charged with careless and imprudent driving, operating a vehicle without a valid license and possession of a controlled substance. The passenger was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Also on March 21, deputies observed a vehicle traveling the wrong way in a roundabout in New Florence. The vehicle was stopped and deputies determined that the driver did not possess a valid driver’s license. The driver was arrested, transported to the MC Jail and charged with operating a vehicle without a license.