Traffic stop near Stanton leads to arrests of two Omaha women

STANTON, Neb. -- Two women from Omaha were arrested after a traffic stop near Stanton reportedly revealed drugs and multiple stolen items.

The Stanton County Sheriff's Office said they stopped a vehicle that had a headlight out on Highway 275, five miles north of Stanton, on Friday around 7:30 p.m.

Officers said 48-year-old John Newberry III, of Omaha, was driving the vehicle. Newberry was reportedly driving with a suspended license and was arrested the month before for driving more than 90 mph with a suspended license on Hwy 275 in a stolen 2021 pickup from Omaha.

According to authorities, there were two female passengers in the vehicle. They were 33-year-old Megan Cooper and 23-year-old Britney Hovendick, both of Omaha. 

Officials said they found both women in possession of methamphetamine along with stolen financial transaction devices, including blank social security cards and I.D. cards of other people. Cooper was also reportedly in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Officers reported finding more than eight grams of meth.

SCSO said Cooper and Hovendick were taken into custody. Newberry was also cited for driving under suspension again and released while his vehicle was impounded.