Two people face drug‑related charges after a Saturday traffic stop north of Alton led deputies to methamphetamine, according to probable cause statements filed by the Oregon County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy James Martin wrote that he stopped a silver Nissan Altima on May 16 after observing it “traveling at a high rate of speed on 19 North outside of Alton” . The license plate returned to a different vehicle, and the driver — identified as Anthony R. Ray — told the deputy “the license plates don’t check to this car… I have to wait to get paid to get it registered” .
A female passenger, identified as Taren R. Lowery, was also in the vehicle. Both were asked to step out after Ray consented to a search. During the search, deputies located “a small plastic bag… with a white crystal like substance inside” between the passenger seat and center console .
Neither Ray nor Lowery claimed ownership of the substance. Both were advised of their Miranda rights and arrested. The suspected methamphetamine later tested positive on a Tru‑Narc device, according to the report.
Ray is accused of possession of a controlled substance, failure to register a motor vehicle, and no insurance. Lowery is charged separately with possession of a controlled substance.
The Bond for Ray is set at $25,000 and the bond for Lowery is set at $5,000.
