Montrezl Harrell Receives Crucial Update About Felony Drug Charge

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Former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell may have just avoided some serious jail time. Back in June, he got caught carrying three pounds of marijuana, putting face-to-face with felony drug charges.

The incident happened out in Kentucky when one officer searched Trez's vehicle after smelling a particular odor.

Charlotte Hornets forward Montrezl Harrell is facing felony drug charges stemming from a traffic stop in Richmond, Ky., last month.

According to Madison County, Ky., court records, Harrell was scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Monday to answer the traffic citation. Harrell, 28, was pulled over by a Kentucky state trooper at 9:58 a.m. on May 12 while traveling southbound on I-75 for following the vehicle in front of him too closely, according to the police records.

Trooper Jesse Owens stated he “upon stop observed odor of marijuana” from the silver 2020 Honda Pilot that Harrell was driving, according to the citation. Harrell, Owens wrote in the report, “admitted to being in possession of marijuana and produced a small amount from his sweatpants.” During a subsequent search of the vehicle, which the report states Harrell claims was rented, “three pounds of marijuana in vacuum sealed bags” were found in a backpack in the back seat, according to the citation. He’s been charged with trafficking less than five pounds of marijuana.

It has taken a few weeks now, but it seems like the situation has come to a conclusion for Harrell and a very good one at that. Instead of facing jail time or some crazy huge fine, he will walk away with a slap on the wrist (assuming he stays out of trouble for the next 12 months).

Yahoo Sources: A felony charge against free agent center Montrezl Harrell on trafficking marijuana has been reduced to possession of marijuana and a misdemeanor, a judge ruled this morning. If he’s in good legal standing for next 12 months, misdemeanor to be removed from record.

Harrell, 28, is a talented big man who can score, rebound, and provide a spark for his team. In 71 games last season, he averaged 13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game on 64% shooting.

This summer, after a short stint with the Hornets, Harrell is once again a free agent and will have his pick of the crop to choose from. Now that his legal matters are settled, we can expect contract talks to ramp over over the next few days and weeks.