DELANO TOWNSHIP — A Florida man was jailed on $25,000 monetary bail after Pennsylvania State Police allegedly found marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County.
Romando Romaine Harrison, 33, of Fort Myers, Florida, faces misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, along with a summary charge of following too closely.
Traffic Stop on Interstate 81
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Trooper Joey St Cyrus of the Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville, the incident began around 9:07 a.m. on .
The trooper reported observing a burgundy sedan traveling south near mile marker 136.6 in Delano Township. Police allege the vehicle was following a black sedan at an unsafe distance in the left lane.
The trooper stopped the vehicle, identified as a 2011 Lincoln MKZ with Florida registration, near mile marker 136.0. Harrison was the driver and sole occupant, according to the affidavit.
Police said Harrison acknowledged following too closely, explained that he was attempting to pass the other vehicle and apologized.
Marijuana and Paraphernalia Allegedly Found
While speaking with Harrison, the trooper reported detecting a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. According to the affidavit, Harrison said he had a small amount of marijuana inside a black backpack on the passenger-side floorboard and gave verbal consent to search the vehicle and its contents.
The search allegedly uncovered two clear zip-close bags containing suspected marijuana, rolling papers, a marijuana tray and a pre-rolled marijuana joint. Police said Harrison acknowledged that the drugs and paraphernalia belonged to him.
The affidavit states that the suspected marijuana produced a positive result during a field test at the Frackville barracks. The trooper reported observing no signs of impairment.
Harrison also allegedly told police that he was from Jamaica and had no intention on returning to Pennsylvania to answer to the charges.
Bail and Preliminary Hearing
Court records show Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli set monetary bail at $25,000 on . Harrison was committed to Schuylkill County Prison after being unable to post bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for before Tarantelli.
The charges are allegations, and Harrison is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.