BLOOMINGTON — An Oaktown man was arrested and faces numerous felony charges, including drug dealing and illegal firearm possession, following a traffic stop on a vehicle with a stolen license plate early Saturday morning.
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:17 a.m., a Monroe County deputy conducted a traffic stop on a red 2005 Ford F250 pickup truck after its license plate was flagged as stolen out of Sullivan County.
During the investigation, the driver, identified as Dawson Kelm, 24, of Oaktown, was detained. Deputies located a firearm on Kelm’s person.
The investigation was then continued by K-9 Figo and his handler, who conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle. The K-9 gave a positive indication, leading to the discovery of another firearm and several narcotics, including:
- Fentanyl pills
- Alprazolam pills
- Acetaminophen and Hydrochloride pills
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
Kelm was subsequently arrested and booked on the following charges:
- Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony)
- Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony)
- Possession of a Narcotic Drug (Level 5 Felony) x 2
- Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun
- Possession of a Legend Drug (Level 6 Felony)
- Dealing In a Legend Drug (Level 6 Felony)
- Identity Deception (Level 6 Felony)
- Driving While Suspended Prior (A Misdemeanor)
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
