Traffic Stop Leads to Significant Drug Seizure

Two Old Fort men were charged with numerous drug felonies after a traffic stop in the area led to the discovery of over 30 grams of meth.

On Sunday, January 18, Deputy Caleb Baliles with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office initiated a vehicle stop on Parker Padgett Road for traffic violations. Lawrence Glenn Pennington, Jr., 66, of Old Fort was the driver and operated the vehicle with no license. Joseph Andrew Franklin, 53, also of Old Fort, was a passenger.

A search of the vehicle by deputies after a positive narcotics alert by MCSO K9 Rambo, turned up multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Deputy Baliles charged Franklin with the following:

• felony Traffick in Methamphetamine

• felony Possession with intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine

• felony Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance

• felony Possession of Methamphetamine

• misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

• misdemeanor Simple Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance

Franklin was issued a $60,000 secured bond.

Pennington also received the following:

• felony Traffick in Methamphetamine

• felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine

• felony Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance

• felony Possession of Methamphetamine

• misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

He was initially denied bond due to already being out on pretrial release.

 “This is another win for our community,” said Chief Deputy Nathan Mace. “A traffic stop turned into a significant drug seizure, and it shows the level of job performance and commitment our deputies bring to protecting McDowell County every day.”