A 28-year-old Ocala man was arrested on drug charges after being pulled over Thursday for not wearing his seat belt.
At around 6 p.m., a Marion County sheriff’s deputy observed a red Oldsmobile traveling westbound on East Silver Springs Boulevard. The driver – later identified as Michael Patrick Risley, of 512 NE 23rd Circle Apt. 2 – was not wearing a seat belt, according to the sheriff’s office report.
During the traffic stop in the 4900 block of East Silver Springs Boulevard, Risley admitted he didn’t have his seat belt on. Asked for his driver’s license, Risley reached for a black Armour backpack under the driver’s seat. After a short time searching through the backpack, Risley said he didn’t have the license. He was able to provide his license number, the report said.
While talking to Risley, another deputy observed a marijuana grinder in plain view in the back seat. A search of the vehicle turned up another back Armour backpack under the driver’s seat. After being read his Miranda warning, Risley claimed ownership of the backpack, according to the report.
Inside the backpack was a blue pouch containing multiple clear plastic bags. Three bags contained a white crystal substance. A black scale was also inside the pouch. Risley told the deputy he has drug issues and uses methamphetamine on a daily basis, and that he uses the scale to weigh his personal use drugs upon purchase, the report said.
Risley also claimed ownership of the marijuana grinder in the back seat. The white crystal substance tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the report.
Risley was charged with charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug equipment. He was also issued a citation for the seat belt violation. Risley was taken to the Marion County Jail, where he was being held Saturday on $3,000 bail. He will appear in Marion County Court on Oct. 27.