IFN Staff

A Statesville woman faces a felony drug charge following a traffic stop by an Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Arlena Ann Ritchie, 29, of no fixed address in a news release Tuesday.

On Thursday, March 6, ICSO Deputy J. Greene stopped a vehicle at the Market Basket, located at 3541 Taylorsville Highway, for a fictitious registration plate violation, the sheriff said. The driver of the vehicle was cited for the violation.

During the stop, Deputy Greene spoke with the driver and the passenger, identified as Ritchie.

While interacting with Ritchie, deputies noticed she was acting suspiciously, according to the news release. When questioned about whether she had anything illegal in her possession, Ritchie’s behavior further raised concerns, Campbell said.

Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle, which led to the discovery of individually packaged plastic bags containing approximately 7.20 grams of methamphetamine, along with multiple items of drug paraphernalia, according to the news release.

The drugs and paraphernalia were found in the passenger area of the vehicle, and Ritchie claimed ownership, the sheriff said.

Ritchie was arrested and transported her to the Iredell County Detention Center, where she was charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Methamphetamine and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Magistrate S. Johnson set Ritchie’s bond at $7,500.

At the time of her arrest, Ritchie was on probation following a felony conspiracy conviction. Her criminal history includes the following charges: Felony Neglect Child Abuse Serious Physical Injury, Misdemeanor Larceny, Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana, Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, according to the ICSO.