ROCKINGHAM — A man is facing several drug-related charges after allegedly being caught with marijuana and fentanyl during a traffic stop.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the Traffic Safety Unit conducted a stop at the intersection of Airport Road and Patterson Street for several violations around 5:08 p.m. on May 20.
Deputies reportedly “detected a strong odor of marijuana” coming from the vehicle as they approached, and the Community Impact Team was contacted to assist. Those investigators also reportedly smelled marijuana and removed the occupants to conduct a search.
The driver, 47-year-old Demery Farrell Jackson, reportedly admitted to having a “methamphetamine smoking pipe” in his pocket.
While searching the vehicle and Jackson’s person, investigators reportedly found: 7.87 grams of marijuana packaged separately; 4.2 grams of “a gray, powder-like substance consistent with fentanyl;” digital scales; plastic baggies; and two pipes.
Jackson was arrested and charged with; trafficking in fentanyl; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Court records show he was also cited for: having an expired registration card or tag; having an expired or no registration; and driving while license revoked.
Jackson was booked into the Richmond County Jail and is being held on a $150,000 secured bond. He made his first appearance May 21 and his next court date on the criminal charges is June 4. He is scheduled to appear in court July 2 for the traffic citations.
Court records show Jackson also has pending citations from the N.C. State Highway Patrol earlier this month for driving while license revoked and failure to wear a seat belt.
According to records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction, Jackson was convicted of driving while license revoked in 2011 and 2016, both times in Montgomery County.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
