RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A DUI-related arrest led to an additional felony charge after correctional officers allegedly discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia hidden on a man’s body during the booking process at Southern Regional Jail.
According to the West Virginia State Police, Trooper C.L. Kennedy took Michael Hammonds into custody on June 20 after he was arrested on a DUI-related offense by troopers from the Princeton Detachment.
After transporting Hammonds to Southern Regional Jail, correctional officers conducted a body scan using an X-ray machine during the intake process.
Police said the scan revealed a small pill bottle containing a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, a plastic bag containing a similar substance, and a glass pipe with residue consistent with methamphetamine. Investigators said the items were concealed in Hammonds’ groin area.
Troopers advised Hammonds of his Miranda rights before questioning him about the drugs.
According to the criminal complaint, Hammonds told investigators he did not inform the arresting officer or the transporting trooper that he was carrying the suspected narcotics because he was scared. He also reportedly said he had considered confessing but ultimately chose not to.
As a result of the discovery, Hammonds has been charged with transporting a controlled substance into a jail.
The incident occurred in Raleigh County.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
