Tribune staff reports

A traffic stop early Monday in Seymour led to the arrest of two people and the discovery of more than 35 grams of crystal methamphetamine, police report.

James Hess, 48, and Michelle Root, 40, both of Seymour, each face initial charges of dealing in methamphetamine more than 10 grams, possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia and maintaining a common nuisance.

The arrests occurred at 1:14 a.m. when Seymour Police Officer Jim Handley, at the request of Officer Benjamin Miller, stopped a car in the area of Tipton Street and Commerce Drive for a traffic violation.

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During Miller’s investigation into the activity of the vehicle’s occupants, police reported finding more than 35 grams of crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine paraphernalia, drug packaging material and more than $300 in cash.

Hess also faces an additional preliminary charge of trafficking after an investigation at the Jackson County Jail in Brownstown. That charge was requested by county Officer Jessie Hutchinson after Hess attempted to smuggle approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine into the jail.

Miller and Handley were assisted by Sgt. Mike Cooper and Officer Devlin McMindes.