By Joe Bachman

Two Wisconsin Rapids residents have been charged with possession of methamphetamine, one of which is charged with two counts of forgery.

According to police reports, on Sept. 20, officers observed a man and a woman acting suspiciously in the area of Market St. in Nekoosa. After running the plates on the vehicle associated with them, the officer learned that registered owner had an outstanding warrant for her arrest.

A traffic stop had been initiated by police, and the driver and passenger both gave false names when initially asked. They would later be identified as 47-year-old Londa Nilson, and 27-year-old Dale Chojnacki.

Before the traffic stop the two were observed buying items from various locations in the Nekoosa area. When police asked store owners how they purchased the items, they found that Nilson paid with checks belonging to Jared Schelvan and Sharee Schelvan. Nilson claimed she had permission from Sharee to use them, and that they were already endorsed to her.

After contacting the bank in which the checks originated, police found that the account used was no longer active, and no accounts under those name existed.

Soon after the arrest of Chojnacki and Nilson, the K-9 Unit was brought in to do a perimeter sniff of the vehicle, and indicated positive of controlled substances inside. During a further search, officers found a baggie containing methamphetamine, and a cup used to “cook” the drug.

If convicted, Nilson faces up to a total of 15 years and six months imprisonment for possession of methamphetamine and two counts of forgery, as well as additional charges of obstructing police and possession of drug paraphernalia. Chojnacki faces up to three years and six months imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines, plus additional charges of obstructing police.

Future court dates are pending.