Harrell facing felony marijuana charge after traffic stop

Charlotte Hornets center Montrezl Harrell is facing a felony drug charge in Kentucky following a traffic stop on May 12, according to court documents obtained by Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer.

State troopers charged Harrell with trafficking less than five pounds of marijuana after discovering "three pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed bags" inside a backpack in the back seat of his car, according to the police report.

An officer stopped Harrell's car on the I-75 in Richmond, Kentucky, at 9:58 a.m. for driving too closely behind another vehicle, according to the report. The officer reportedly smelled marijuana from the vehicle as he approached it.

The officer said that Harrell "admitted to being in possession of marijuana and produced a small amount from his sweatpants." Per the report, the trooper searched the car and found the rest of the marijuana.

Possession or trafficking of between eight ounces and five pounds of marijuana is a Class D Felony in Kentucky for first-time offenders, according to Boone. Punishment can include a jail sentence of one-to-five years and a fine between $1,000 and $10,000.

Harrell was set to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Monday, according to court records.

The Hornets declined to comment, added Boone.

Harrell played 25 games last season with Charlotte following a trade from the Washington Wizards. He's set to enter free agency in July.