William G. Merrill Jr., 41, of Rensselaer, Jamison B. Moser, 47, of Francesville, and Cleopha Elizabeth Malott, 38, of Rensselaer, are facing felony drug charges after a Jasper County Sheriff’s Department traffic stop allegedly led to the discovery of more than 34 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, THC products, and packaging materials, according to court documents.
According to court documents, a Jasper County narcotics investigator observed a red Ford Ranger on July 13 and paced the vehicle traveling 63 mph in a 55 mph zone before initiating a traffic stop at the intersection of 400 North and 200 West after the truck traveled several gravel roads.
Police said Moser was driving, Merrill was the front-seat passenger, and Malott was seated in the rear of the vehicle. The investigator reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana coming from the truck while speaking with the occupants.
According to court documents, while officers were waiting for records checks to be completed, Merrill allegedly fled from the vehicle and ran across a field. After being warned that a police K-9 would be released, Merrill reportedly stopped and returned to the traffic stop, where he was taken into custody.
Court documents state Merrill then told investigators there was a T-shirt containing drugs beneath the front passenger seat and claimed everything underneath the seat belonged to him. Officers reported finding approximately 28.95 grams, 3.7 grams, 1.1 grams, and 0.85 grams of suspected methamphetamine in separate containers, along with numerous empty plastic baggies, a THC vape cartridge, THC wax, and a smoking device. A separate plastic baggie containing methamphetamine residue was also reportedly found on the driver’s seat.
According to court documents, while Malott was being read her Miranda rights, she repeatedly yelled over investigators before stating that everything inside the vehicle belonged to her. All three were transported to the Jasper County Jail.
Charges Filed July 14, 2026:
Merrill:
Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
Possession of Methamphetamine – More Than 28 Grams (Level 3 Felony)
Resisting Law Enforcement (Class A Misdemeanor)
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class A Misdemeanor)
Possession of Paraphernalia (Class C Misdemeanor)
Moser & Mallot were charged with:
Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
Possession of Methamphetamine – More Than 28 Grams (Level 3 Felony)
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class A Misdemeanor)
Possession of Paraphernalia (Class C Misdemeanor)
