Juvenile’s Leaving Party in “Most Convenient” Car Leads to Owner Arrested on Drug Charges

ASHEBORO N.C. – The owner of a vehicle was arrested on felony drug charges after three juveniles took his vehicle from a party to get more alcohol and were stopped by deputies and troopers in Seagrove on Sunday.

According to a press release from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, on January 8, 2023, deputies conducted a traffic stop on NC HWY 705 and Lawrence Farm Rd., in Seagrove.

During the investigation, it was determined that the three underage juvenile occupants had been at a party in the area. A search of the vehicle located a firearm, twenty-seven individually packaged and sealed oil cartridges containing THC/CBD, marijuana, and psilocybin psychedelic mushrooms. Also found in the vehicle were multiple paper documents containing the name of Alex Baines.

The driver reported he did not know who the vehicle belonged to and had left the party in the most convenient vehicle to obtain more alcohol.

The parents of the juvenile were contacted to pick up the juveniles who were charged on citation for chapter 20 violations by NCSHP.

While processing the vehicle for towing, Alex Baines approached the scene and claimed ownership of the vehicle. Randolph Communications advised that Baines had one unserved Order for Arrest out of Randolph County.

Baines was arrested and transported to the Randolph County Detention Center where he was served with his outstanding process and was also charged on a magistrate’s order for felony possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, felony possession with intent to sell/deliver schedule I controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of marijuana paraphernalia and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia for the items located in the vehicle.

Based on the testimony, the magistrate found probable cause and issued a $11,000 secured bond and set a first appearance for January 9, 2023, in the Randolph County District Court.