A Pomona resident is facing serious drug trafficking charges after law enforcement intercepted his vehicle during a suspected methamphetamine run from Springfield.
James D. Stewart, 51, of 5125 County Road 1350, was arrested on October 3, 2025, following a coordinated traffic stop on U.S. Highway 60 near Willow Springs.
Authorities had been monitoring Stewart’s movements for several weeks after receiving intelligence that he regularly traveled to Springfield to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine.
According to the South Central Drug Task Force, Stewart’s silver minivan had been observed making weekly trips to Springfield. On the day of the arrest, officers tracked the vehicle westbound toward Springfield in the afternoon and later eastbound in the evening.
Deputy Trenton Roberts initiated the traffic stop for speeding and based on reasonable suspicion of drug activity. K9 Corporal Timothy Gordon’s partner alerted to the vehicle, prompting a search. Officers discovered a glass smoking device in plain view and approximately 4.02 ounces (113.965 grams) of suspected methamphetamine concealed behind the gas and brake pedals. Field testing confirmed the substance as methamphetamine.
Stewart was arrested at 9:13 p.m. and transported to the Howell County Sheriff’s Office. During a post-Miranda interview, he admitted to purchasing the drugs in Springfield for $900 with the intent to distribute them in Howell County.
A warrant has been issued on drug trafficking charges. His bond has been set at $100,000.
