NORTH CAROLINA — Two Western North Carolina men are facing multiple felony drug charges following a traffic stop earlier this month in McDowell County, according to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.
The traffic stop occurred on Jan. 18 along Parker Padgett Road after deputies observed traffic violations. Investigators said the driver, 66-year-old Lawrence Glenn Pennington Jr., was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license. A 53-year-old man, Joseph Andrew Franklin, was identified as the passenger.
Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle after a positive alert from the sheriff’s office K-9 unit. During the search, officers reported finding more than 30 grams of suspected methamphetamine along with drug paraphernalia.
Franklin was charged with multiple offenses, including felony trafficking in methamphetamine and felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine. He was issued a $60,000 secured bond.
Pennington was also charged with felony trafficking in methamphetamine and felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine. Authorities said he was initially denied bond because he was out on pretrial release at the time of the arrest.
The case remains under investigation.
