May 21 traffic stop leads to arrest

On May 21st, 2026, at approximately 7:59 p.m., deputies assigned to the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code. The vehicle stopped in a parking lot of a gas station, located near the intersection of Illinois Route 26 and W. High St, in Orangeville. A Sheriff’s Office K-9 was utilized to conduct a free-air sniff around the outside of the vehicle during the traffic stop.

The K-9 alerted to the exterior of the vehicle indicating the possible presence of a controlled substance, and probable cause to arrest Michael Griffin who was a passenger of the vehicle, was established shortly thereafter.

A Crime Suppression Unit Deputy located approximately 7.5 grams of suspected fentanyl concealed in Michael Griffin’s waistband. Following a review of this case by the Stephenson County State’s Attorney’s Office, Michael Griffin has been charged with the felony offenses of Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl and Possession of a Controlled Substance, along with a misdemeanor charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Michael Griffin was booked at the Stephenson County Jail and released with a court date under the provisions of the Pre-trial Safe-T Act.

The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.