JONESBORO, Ark. — A routine traffic stop in Jonesboro uncovered suspected drug activity, leading to multiple charges for a man already on probation, according to court documents.
Around 12:15 p.m. on August 4, Officer Echols observed a southbound gray vehicle with temporary tags that were bent and unreadable, according to a probable cause affidavit. The officer followed the vehicle as it turned onto Stonemill Drive and stopped at a residence identified as belonging to 41-year-old Christopher Lamont Bondon.
During the stop, the officer reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Dispatch advised that Bondon had an active cite-and-release warrant out of Jonesboro, and he was detained. As part of his probation conditions, police conducted searches of his vehicle and residence.
Inside the vehicle, officers reportedly found a large bag of marijuana stored inside a bag with branding from CROP, a licensed dispensary. While Bondon initially claimed to have purchased the marijuana legally, police stated he was unable to provide a receipt or product label. He later admitted the marijuana was purchased on the street and placed in the dispensary bag, according to the affidavit.
A search of Bondon’s residence yielded additional evidence, according to investigators. Police said they found a white oval pill believed to be oxycodone, two digital scales with marijuana residue, and another dispensary bag containing marijuana near the front door.
Police also searched Bondon’s cellphone under his probation terms. The affidavit states officers uncovered several message threads indicating the sale of marijuana, including what appeared to be negotiations over pricing. Investigators also cited a photo allegedly sent from Bondon’s phone showing multiple oxycodone pills, with one recipient reportedly paying for drugs via Apple Pay.
In total, authorities said approximately 121 grams of marijuana, the suspected oxycodone pill, digital scales, and the suspect’s cellphone were seized during the searches.
Bondon faces charges that include possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance (excluding methamphetamine or cocaine) of less than two grams, a Class D felony; unlawful use of a communication device, a Class C felony; possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with purpose to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia, both Class A misdemeanors; and failure or improper display of tags.
During a first appearance on August 5, Special Judge Ralph Wilson found probable cause for the charges and set bond at $30,000 cash or surety. Bondon’s next court date is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on September 30.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.