Morganton man found with methamphetamine, knives and sword after traffic stop, charged

Credit: Morganton Department of Public Safety

MORGANTON (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A man has been charged after he was found with nearly 100 grams of methamphetamine and weapons, including more than 15 knives, according to the Morganton Department of Public Safety.

Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, a vehicle was stopped by Sergeant A Paterno for displaying a false registration plate.

The driver, Charles Howard Ray III, 42, had a suspended license and a shotgun that he did not tell officers about, authorities said.

Authorities searched his vehicle and found 97.5 grams of methamphetamine, more than 15 knives, a large metal lawn mower, several glass pipes, a large quantity of plastic bags and two scales.

As a result, Ray was arrested and charged with:

• Possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine
• Methamphetamine trafficking
• Maintaining a vehicle for drugs
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• 2 counts of carrying a concealed weapon
• Driving with a revoked license
• Displaying a dummy tag
• Failure to Register a Vehicle with the State of North Carolina
• No insurance

Ray had previously been charged in Burke County with possession of methamphetamine, assault by pointing a firearm and obtaining property by false pretenses.

Authorities said Ray was remanded in custody for 48 hours. His first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2 at 1 p.m.