FREEPORT — Two Rockford teens were taken into custody last week on illegal gun possession charges following a traffic stop.

On Friday, Sept. 19, at approximately 9:55 p.m., deputies from the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) conducted a traffic stop on a black 2016 Kia Optima near South Street and Walnut Avenue in Freeport after observing multiple moving violations.

During the stop, deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle and its occupants. Two juvenile passengers were found to be in possession of loaded 9mm pistols. One of the firearms recovered was identified as a Polymer80 — commonly referred to as a “ghost gun.”

Following review by the Stephenson County State’s Attorney’s Office, a 16-year-old male and a 17-year-old male, both from Rockford, were each charged with:

●  Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (felony)

●  Possession of a Firearm Without a FOID Card (felony)

Both juveniles were transported to the Kane County Juvenile Detention Center, where they will remain in custody pending further order of the court.