SHELLEY, ID – A routine traffic stop by the Shelley Police Department in the early morning hours of August 6 led to the recovery of a missing juvenile and sparked an ongoing criminal investigation involving suspected drug activity and alleged sexual exploitation.

According to a press release from the Shelley Police Department, the stop was initiated after officers observed a vehicle committing multiple traffic violations. A K9 unit performed a free-air sniff of the vehicle, prompting a probable cause search. Inside the vehicle, officers reportedly found methamphetamine, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia.

During the search, officers also discovered a state-issued ID card belonging to a juvenile. A records check revealed the juvenile had been reported as a missing/runaway out of Wyoming. The vehicle’s driver informed officers that the juvenile was alone at a local Airbnb.

Officers conducted a welfare check at the Airbnb, where they found a 33-year-old man, Russell Raudman, near an open window behind the property. He was detained on the scene. The missing juvenile was found safely inside the residence.

Detectives from the Bingham County Joint Investigations Division interviewed the 17-year-old girl, who confirmed she was a runaway and disclosed that she had engaged in sexual activity with Raudman in a neighboring jurisdiction. A search warrant was executed for both the Airbnb and a vehicle associated with Raudman.

Due to the alleged criminal conduct occurring outside Shelley’s jurisdiction, the case—including Raudman and all related evidence—was turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and potential prosecution.

Shelley Police commended their graveyard shift officers for their attention to detail and initiative, emphasizing that the incident demonstrates how routine traffic stops can lead to the discovery of more serious criminal activity.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.