TRAFFIC STOP LANDS MAN BEHIND BARS

By Jon Mayhew [LINCOLNTON] – A man speeding on East Main Street is behind bars after authorities find drugs on the suspect and discover he’s wanted on warrants from April 2008.

James Robert Helms, 34, Haywood Court, was doing 52 in a 35 mile-per-hour zone at the time of the traffic stop. As officer Dave Mocanu was doing a consent search on the suspect, Mocanu discovered drugs.

“It was marijuana, about seven grams,” said Mocanu.

Mocanu cited Helms for the speeding and drug violations.

Sgt. Willie Vaughn, meantime, served drug warrants from last year on Helms.

Helms was charged with felony possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine; the sale of cocaine; maintaining a dwelling for the sale of cocaine; possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was taken to jail under a $26,000 secured bond. Helms posted bond and was released from the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center.