Traffic Stop In Jasper County Leads To Seizure Of More Than 360 Grams Of Methamphetamine; Three Rensselaer Residents Charged
Jacob D. Valandingham, 26, Jessica R. Call, 34, and Michael G. Hughes, 38, all of Rensselaer, are facing felony charges after a Jasper County traffic stop led to the seizure of more than 360 grams of methamphetamine.
According to Probable Cause Affidavits filed in Jasper County, investigators observed a red Chevrolet Silverado registered to Jessica Call and Jacob Valandingham traveling through Jasper County on February 24, 2026. Investigators observed the vehicle leaving Jasper County and later returning from the Dolton, Illinois area, which investigators identified as a source location for methamphetamine in prior investigations.
Court documents state the pickup truck was later observed traveling above the posted speed limit on Indiana State Road 110 before turning south onto U.S. 231. Authorities initiated a traffic stop after pacing the vehicle at approximately 65 mph in a 55 mph zone.
The driver was identified as Jacob D. Valandingham. Jessica R. Call was seated in the front passenger seat and Michael G. Hughes was located in the rear seat of the vehicle.
After the occupants exited the vehicle, a K9 conducted a free-air sniff around the pickup and indicated to the odor of narcotics near the passenger door and rear wheel well area.
A search of the vehicle located multiple torches commonly used with methamphetamine use, a glass mirror with white residue inside the glove box, and a small glass jar with residue in the center console, according to court documents.
Court documents state Jessica Call later removed two syringes and a plastic bag containing a crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine from her pocket. Additional plastic baggies containing crystal substance and glass smoking devices were also recovered.
Authorities transported the suspected narcotics to the Jasper County Jail where testing confirmed the substance as methamphetamine with an aggregate weight of 365.3 grams.
During a later interview, Call reportedly told investigators the methamphetamine belonged to her and Michael Hughes. Court documents state the pair paid approximately $1,200 for roughly three-quarters of a pound of methamphetamine after traveling to the Dolton, Illinois area before returning to Jasper County.
Call also told investigators that Jacob Valandingham was aware of the trip and accompanied them for protection, according to court documents.
The cases were filed March 3, 2026 in Jasper County.
Charges Filed Against All Three Defendants:
• Dealing in Methamphetamine (10 grams or more) — Level 2 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine (Over 28 grams) — Level 3 Felony
