Two people arrested after a traffic stop uncovered more than 16 grams of  methamphetamine last month pleaded not guilty last Thursday in Mower County District Court.

Chad Lee Morgan, 43, of Austin pleaded not guilty to felonies for third-degree drug possession of 10 grams or more of methamphetamine and first-degree DWI, a gross misdemeanor for driving after cancelation, and a misdemeanor for giving officers a false name.

Claire Elizabeth Austin, 20, of Austin pleaded not guilty to felonies for third-degree drug possession of more than 10 grams of methamphetamine and fifth-degree drug possession, a gross misdemeanor for introducing contraband into the jail, and a misdemeanor for fourth-degree DWI.

According to court records, a Mower County deputy was driving east on Interstate 90 at about 7:08 p.m. on March 23 when he passed a 2001 Dodge Durango and recognized the driver as Morgan, who had a warrant for his arrest and did not have a valid driver’s license.

Shortly after, the deputy initiated a traffic stop in Windom Township near the intersection of County Road 3 and 600th Avenue.

Morgan initially gave a false name that came back as not on file, but he later admitted his identity.

Deputies pat-searched Morgan for officer safety and found $3,920 in his pockets. He also showed signs of being on drugs and was placed in a squad car.

Austin had moved to the driver’s seat of the Durango, which was running, and indicated she was preparing to leave. But deputies had her exit the vehicle.

Police searched the Dodge and found a half gram of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in a purse.

Austin then admitted to having more drugs and removed a meth pipe and a plastic bag of about 15 grams of meth from her groin area, though she said they belonged to Morgan.

Austin also showed signs of being on drugs.

Deputies also found a scale, which later tested positive for meth, and several small bags commonly used for drug sales in the Durango.

Austin and Meyer were arrested, and jail staff found a red capsule containing .66 grams of meth in an orifice of Austin’s body.

Morgan later admitted the drugs belonged to him. His license is canceled, and he was convicted of driving while impaired in an Oct. 3, 2011, incident.

Austin is slated for a July 7 pre-trial and July 24 trial, while Morgan is slated for a Sept. 22 pre-trial and Oct. 2 trial.