NBA player Montrezl Harrell’s lawyers say he never traded weed in Kentucky
The 28-year-old faces up to five years in prison if convicted, but his lawyers say he did nothing wrong
NBA great Montrezl Harrell is facing serious drug trafficking charges in Kentucky after being pulled over on May 12. But Harrell’s attorney, who spoke for the Charlotte Hornets star earlier this week, says his client did nothing wrong.
The incident happened last month when Kentucky State Trooper Jesse Owens said he stopped Harrell’s rental car for following too closely another vehicle on I-75. The stop was about 30 minutes outside of Lexington.
Cops claim they found a backpack containing three pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed bags in the back seat. Harrell now faces charges that could ultimately lead to one to five years in state prison and a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000.
But Harrell’s attorneys say he wasn’t even behind the wheel of the 2020 Honda.
Hazy details on fees
The officer cited Harrell about the weed at the time of the stop, but did not charge or arrest him for human trafficking at the scene. State Trooper Owens said: “[he] observed [the] Smell of marijuana” from the vehicle and asked Harrell if he had weed.
According to the police report, Harrell admitted he did it and presented a green bag from his pants pocket. Trooper Owens then says he searched the vehicle and found 3 pounds vacuumed in a backpack in the back seat.
The smell of marijuana alone isn’t enough to search a vehicle in Kentucky. But since Harrell admitted possession, the search may have been warranted.
Trading between 8 ounces and 5 pounds in Kentucky is a Class D felony for first offenders and a Class C felony for second offenders. Possession of 8 ounces and under is a Class A offense punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $500 for first-time offenders.
Lawyers are confident he will beat the charges
Harrell’s attorneys told TMZ this week that Harrell did nothing wrong. “We want to clarify that Mr. Harrell was not driving the vehicle and was only issued a ticket after the stop to appear in court at a later date on marijuana-related charges, as were all occupants of the vehicle,” so Harrell’s attorneys said.
“Mr. Harrell was never arrested. We believe there are legal and factual issues in this case which will be dealt with in court if the need arises… Mr. Harrell is a devoted family man and a dedicated professional basketball player and has never been a part any form of marijuana human trafficking or other illegal activity.”
Attorneys for Montrezl Harrell to TMZ
Bummer for his free agent summer
Harrell played college ball for the Louisville Cardinals before being drafted in 2015. He has over $24 million in career earnings and is an aspiring free agent who played well for the Charlotte Hornets last season. As he selects a new team this summer, he will now have the added distraction of appearing in court next month.
Negotiations for NBA free agency begin July 1. He was traded to Charlotte by the Washington Wizards last February. The Hornets have not yet commented on the allegations. Harrell’s court date for his preliminary hearing is set for July 13.
Kaileigh JaKirra Robinson
Kaileigh JaKirra Robinson is an activist, filmmaker and traveler. She will be starring in the upcoming independent film Solstice, which is slated for release in 2022.
Check out Kaileigh JaKirra Robinson’s articles
By submitting this form, you are subscribing to Leafly news and promotional emails and agreeing to Leafly’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe from Leafly email communications at any time.
Post a comment: