MARION, Ill. (WJPF) – A Carbondale man is facing charges of drug possession and child endangerment after police found both meth and a child in his car during a traffic stop.

Rusty Leeper, 52, was pulled over November 10 by Williamson County Sheriff’s Deputies near the intersection of Route 148 and Interstate 57.  A small child was sitting unrestrained in the front seat and, after searching the vehicle, deputies found a syringe containing a brown liquid that tested positive for methamphetamine.

Rusty Leeper was arrested and then released with a notice to appear in court January 3, 2024.