Charlotte Hornets forward Montrezl Harrell is facing felony marijuana charges in Kentucky, reports NBC Sports. Cops claim they found three pounds of marijuana in a car the NBA star was driving, reports the Charlotte Observer.
The former Sixth Man of the Year played his college ball in Louisville. He still spends time in Kentucky, where the arrest occurred.
A Kentucky State Trooper pulled over Harrell, 28, at 9:58 am on May 12. Traveling southbound on I-75, the trooper said he stopped him for following a vehicle too closely.
“Odor Of Marijuana”
Trooper Jesse Owens claims he ”upon stop observed [the] odor of marijuana” from Harrell’s 2020 Honda Pilot, according to the citation. Harrell ”admitted to being in possession of marijuana and produced a small amount from his sweatpants,” according to Owens.
The trooper then searched the vehicle, which Harrell says was a rental. The officer found “three pounds of marijuana in vacuum sealed bags” in a backpack in the back seat. He charged Harrell with trafficking less than five pounds of marijuana.
Harrell has played seven seasons with the Hornets, reports WSOC. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Maximum Punishment 5 Years, $10,000 Fine
Under Kentucky law, possessing or trafficking eight or more ounces but less than five pounds of marijuana is a Class D Felony for first-time offenders. It is punishable by 1-5 years of prison with a fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Often in similar situiations, a plea bargain in struck, reducing penalties.
Harrell is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 13 in Madison County District Court.
It wasn’t immediately clear if Harrell had an attorney to comment on his behalf. oThe Hornets declined comment, reports AP News.
