Matthew Hensley

A man on his way into court for a drug possession charge was arrested after deputies say they found 12 bags of marijuana on him.

Jawarren Kamale Bethea, 20, was taken into custody Wednesday morning after officials found marijuana in his coat pocket, according to a sheriff's report.

"He came through and the person at the front door could smell marijuana," Investigator Jon Edwards said.

The investigator said Bethea was pulled aside and a search revealed that he had 12 bags of marijuana.

Sheriff Shep Jones said that this is not a common occurrence.

"Usually, people know they have to get clearance at front door security," Jones said. He added that some people do come in with weapons that they leave at the door, but generally it is something people need for their job.

According to Edwards, Bethea denied that the marijuana was his, claiming the coat belonged to someone else. Bethea also told investigators he was not under the influence of marijuana, even if he did smell of the drug.

Bethea, of Corona St. in Laurinburg, was charged with possession with the intent to sell and deliver a schedule VI controlled substance. He was placed in Scotland County jail under a $1,000 secured bond.

According to the North Carolina Court System website, Bethea was appearing in court for a possession of marijuana charge.

He is scheduled to appear in court today for the new charges.

Bethea is also scheduled to appear on Jan. 20 for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit and on Feb. 17 for driving without a license, according to the website.

http://www.dumbcriminals.com/drugs/how-to-take-your-case-to-a-higher-court/#more-1510