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Jefferson County arrests two, looking for third following rural Mt. Vernon drug bust

By Bruce Kropp Jun 15, 2023 | 2:26 PM

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department has arrested two people and looking for a third in the aftermath of a drug bust at a home at 18,443 North Old Centralia Lane northwest of Mt. Vernon.

Initially, deputies along with the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force and members of the Mt. Vernon Police/Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit attempted to serve an Illinois Department of Corrections parole violation warrant on the primary resident of the home, 36-year-old Edward McCullough.

During the arrest, evidence of drug and weapons crimes was observed and an additional search warrant was obtained.  The items observed as well as additional evidence was collected and another resident, 28-year-old Sarah Major, was arrested.

McCullough and Major were transported to the Jefferson County Justice Center. McCullough was held without bond on the parole violation warrant and was additionally arrested for Armed Habitual Criminal and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Felon. Major was charged with Unlawful Possession of under five grams of Methamphetamine.

When officers initially arrived at the home attempting to secure the perimeter, a male suspect later identified as 31-year-old Rick Cull Junior of St. Clair, MO allegedly breached the perimeter through a field and wooded area in a newer white F250 or 350 pickup truck which should have front end damage.  Cull is wanted for questioning in this case, as the investigation is continuing with additional criminal charges pending.

Anyone with information on Cull’s whereabouts please contact the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction, the MVPD / JCSO Narcotics Division at (618)242-6800, or Jefferson County Crimestoppers at (618)242-8477 (TIPS).