Freeport officers seize drugs and loaded gun in drug trafficking bust

FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — Two men have been arrested in Freeport as a result of an investigation into drug trafficking.

On June 19th, at 4:21 p.m., Freeport Police officers arrived at a home in the 900 block of S. Carroll Avenue to execute a search warrant.

The occupant, Marquette Penelton, 51, was seen leaving in a vehicle.

Officers stopped the car at the intersection of Carroll Avenue and Iroquois Street. There, police said they discovered cocaine in the vehicle.

The driver of the car, Lenon Carter, 49, was also taken into custody.

A search of Penelton’s residence resulted in the seizure of a loaded semi-automatic, two fully loaded magazines, and cannabis packaged for sale.

Penelton was charged with possession of a weapon by a felon and possession with intent to deliver cannabis.

Carter was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Carter was booked into jail and released under provisions of the Illinois Pre-Trial Fairness Act, while Penelton was taken to the Stephenson County Jail and is awaiting the outcome of a detention hearing.