Felon Charged With Illegally Possessing Gun

A Franklin County man accused of illegal possession of a firearm has been charged in a felony complaint with the crime.

Lionel Gillette, 44, St. Clair, was arrested early Friday, Oct. 26, after a county deputy made a traffic stop on Springfield Road near St. Clair.

The deputy had been patrolling the area of the Anaconda Cemetery west of St. Clair in response to reports of vandalism and complaints that individuals were manufacturing methamphetamine in that area.

Gillette allegedly refused to allow the deputy to search his vehicle and the Washington police K-9 unit was called to the scene. The dog alerted on the vehicle, indicating that narcotics were present, according to a sheriff’s office report.

The deputy reported seizing suspected methamphetamine and some pills. Gillette also had a handgun in a coat pocket and was in possession of a taser gun.

Because he is a convicted felon, Gillette is not allowed to possess a weapon, the sheriff’s office said.

The deputy also seized a large amount of cash and materials commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, according to the report.

Gillette also is charged in a separate felony count with possession of precursor drugs with intent to manuacture methamphetamine, according to court records.

A $50,000 cash-only bond was set in the case.