Unreadable Temporary Tag Leads to Drug Charges in Jonesboro

JONESBORO, Ark. — A traffic stop prompted by an unreadable temporary tag led to the discovery of about 121 grams of marijuana, a suspected oxycodone pill and cellphone messages allegedly documenting drug sales, according to court records.

Christopher Lamont Bondon faces possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance excluding methamphetamine or cocaine, less than 2 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.

At approximately 12:15 p.m. Aug. 4, Officer Echols was monitoring traffic from a cemetery along Loberg Lane when he saw a gray passenger car traveling south with Arkansas temporary tags bent upward and unreadable, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The vehicle turned onto Stonemill Drive and stopped at Bondon’s residence. When the officer approached, he reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

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Dispatch also advised that Bondon had an active cite-and-release warrant out of Jonesboro. He was detained, and officers conducted probation searches of the vehicle and residence.

Inside the vehicle, police reported finding a large bag of marijuana inside a bag bearing the name of CROP, a dispensary. Bondon initially said he had just purchased the marijuana there, but police said he could not provide a receipt or product label. He later acknowledged that it was marijuana purchased on the street and placed inside the CROP bag, according to the affidavit.

During the search of the residence, officers reported finding two digital scales with marijuana residue, another CROP bag containing marijuana and a white oval pill believed to be oxycodone inside a backpack near the front door.

Police also searched Bondon’s cellphone under the conditions of his probation. The affidavit states that officers found multiple message threads appearing to document marijuana sales.

Investigators also reported finding a photograph of several oxycodone pills that Bondon allegedly sent during one conversation. When the recipient asked for a price, Bondon allegedly replied, “$10.” Police said several alleged drug transactions appeared to have been conducted through Apple Pay.

Officers seized approximately 121 grams of marijuana, one suspected 10-milligram oxycodone pill, two digital scales and Bondon’s cellphone.

Special Judge Ralph Wilson found probable cause during Bondon’s first appearance Aug. 5 and set bond at $30,000 cash or surety. His next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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