During the course of the stop, detectives conducted a search of the vehicle. As a result of the search, detectives located approximately 192.3 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms packaged in six clear resealable bags, approximately 13.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a small amount of suspected dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and a small amount of suspected cannabis that was improperly transported in a motor vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as John Gerstel, 42, of Prophetstown, Illinois. Gerstel was placed under arrest and transported to the Kewanee Police Department, where he was booked and processed. He was subsequently transported to the Henry County Jail.
On March 26, 2026, the Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office filed the following charges against Gerstel: Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver.
The Kewanee Police Department reminds the public that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
