Sheriff Darren Campbell stated: On Friday, May 3, 2019 Deputy M. Hicks with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Interstate Criminal Enforcement (ICE) Team, conducted a traffic stop on a rental 2018 Dodge Charger at Mile Marker 61 on Interstate 77 South for a traffic violation.

Upon making contact with the occupants of the vehicle, Deputy Hicks smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the car. The driver, and passenger were both removed from the vehicle. A probable cause search was conducted by deputies.

The search uncovered 96 grams of Hydroponic Marijuana, and a Glock 40 caliber handgun which hidden in the trunk of the car inside a duffel bag. Once the items were removed from the vehicle the Glock handgun was found to be stolen from the City of Charlotte. After confirming the gun was stolen the male passenger identified as Kenneth Forde, admitted to possessing the marijuana and firearm which were located.

After further investigation it was determined Forde was a convicted felon for a past conviction of charges stemming from an incident which occurred inside the City of Charlotte.

Forde was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center where he was charged with; Felony Possess Stolen Firearm, Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon,                       Felony Possession of Marijuana, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Marijuana, and Maintain Dwelling or Vehicle for Selling Controlled Substance.

Forde was taken before the Magistrate D. Sanders who issued a 50,000.00 dollars secured bond on these charges.