Traffic stop leads to several charges

Three people are facing multiple charges including drug possession and breaking COVID-19 rules after a routine traffic stop. Essex County OPP said an officer from the Leamington detachment pulled over a vehicle on Wigle Street around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday for a “traffic-related offence.” The officer then learned the person behind the wheel was suspended from driving and not complying with conditions of a previous release order, police said. The officer also allegedly found drugs and stolen property in the car. Three people in the vehicle were arrested. Brian Jacques, 37, of Leamington, is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of “other drugs” prohibited under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, failure to comply with a release order and possession of property obtained by crime. He is also facing a charge under the Highway Traffic Act and one count under the Reopening Ontario Act. John Miehl, 53, of Chatham, is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of “other drugs” prohibited under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and possession of property obtained by crime. He was also charged with one count under the Reopening Ontario Act. Cristelle Vanden Enden, 44, is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of “other drugs” prohibited under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and possession of property obtained by crime. She was also charged with one count under the Reopening Ontario Act. All three suspects were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court on March 8.