MOUNT VERNON — Mt. Vernon police arrested a 32-year-old Mt. Vernon man Monday on weapons charges following a traffic stop at 12th and Forrest.

According to police, during the traffic stop detectives from the Mt Vernon Police Department/Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Joint Narcotics Division identified a male passenger as James Lomax and learned Lomax is currently on parole with the Illinois Department of Corrections for being a felon in possession of a firearm and aggravated battery.

Detectives reportedly located a loaded handgun in the vehicle along with narcotics.

Lomax was taken into custody on the charges of armed habitual criminal and felon in possession of a firearm while on parole.

He was formally charged Tuesday in Jefferson County Court with Class X felony armed habitual criminal.

According to MVPD, Lomax has an extensive history of firearms-related charges, with four previous convictions for firearm-related charges in Jefferson County dating from 2013-2019.

The Illinois Department of Corrections was notified of the arrest of Lomax and a parole violation warrant was issued as well. Lomax was transported to the Jefferson County Justice Center where he remains on a no bond hold.