IFN Staff

A Harmony man faces felony drug charges after Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies searched his vehicle and found more than 50 grams of marijuana at a checkpoint in northern Iredell. 

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Ronald Edward Richardson, 42, of Guilford Road, Harmony, on Tuesday. 

ICSO deputies were conducting a motor vehicle violation checkpoint at the intersection of Snow Creek Road and North Chipley Ford Road on Saturday when they made contact with Richardson, according to the news release.

While speaking with Richardson, deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle, the sheriff said.

During the search, deputies discovered approximately 51 grams of marijuana, individually packaged and concealed beneath the passenger seat where a juvenile was sitting, according to the news release. Drug paraphernalia associated with sale and distribute of controlled substances was also seized, Campbell said.

Deputy Leggett arrested Richardson and transported him to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for the Sale and Use of a Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia and Misdemeanor Child Abuse.

Magistrate H. Callejas issued Richardson a $2,500 secured bond.

According to the ICSO, Richardson’s criminal history includes a charge of Felony Sell Marijuana.