IFN Staff

A western Iredell County resident faces felony drug charges after Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies observed an open container of alcohol in his vehicle at a traffic checkpoint.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Charlie Franklin Jones, 43, of Trailway Drive, Statesville, in a news release Friday.

Deputy P. Hayes and members of the ICSO Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team encountered Jones at a traffic checkpoint on Old Mocksville Road about 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Campbell said. After deputies saw the open container, they asked Jones to step out of the Kia Sorrento, according to the news release. Deputies subsequently discovered crystal methamphetamine in his pocket, Campbell said.

Jones admitted to having multiple additional bags of methamphetamine inside the vehicle, according to the news release. Deputies seized all illegal substances, and Jones was taken into custody, the sheriff said.

Jones was charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Methamphetamine; Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for a Controlled Substance a misdemeanor drug offense and an alcohol violation.

The suspect was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where Magistrate Hollar issued a $25,000 secured bond.

According to the ICSO, Jones’ criminal record includes the following charges: Misdemeanor Assault on a Female, three counts of Misdemeanor Simple Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor Simple Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Felony Sell a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Felony Attempted Trafficking of Opium/Heroin, Misdemeanor Larceny, Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, and Sell or Deliver a Schedule IV Controlled Substance.