HAMLET — Police reportedly found illegal drugs on a man suspected of breaking into a vehicle.
According to a post from the Hamlet Police Department, officers received information on Feb. 12 that someone was breaking into a vehicle in the parking lot of a storage facility.
When officers arrived, they reportedly found 30-year-old Kenneth Lancaster inside a recreational vehicle. Officers reportedly confirmed that Lancaster was not the owner and did not have permission to be inside the vehicle.
(Note: The arrest warrant indicates Lancaster is 28, but records show he is 30.)
During Lancaster’s arrest, officers reportedly found 26 grams of methamphetamine, 66 suboxone strips, 10 dosage units of “unidentified illicitly manufactured pills,” two dosage units of Adderall, 1 gram of marijuana, and 26 grams of suspected crack cocaine.
Officers also found a glass pipe with burnt residue and two sets of scales, according to warrants.
(Note: The HPD post indicates the amount of cocaine was .5 grams, but the warrant states 26 grams.)
Lancaster is charged with: possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule III controlled substance; felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance; simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
(Note: The HPD Facebook post indicates Lancaster was also charged with breaking and entering a motor vehicle, however that charge is not reflected in the warrant or court records.)
Records show Lancaster was jailed on a $20,000 secured bond. However, he was released the same day when a home on Old Gibson Road was used as a surety bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 27.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Lancaster was on parole until Nov. 10, 2024 after serving nearly a year in prison for the following convictions:
2021 - breaking and entering vehicles, larceny of firearms (probation revoked)
2023 - misdemeanor larceny, resisting a public officer
Lancaster also has the following prior convictions:
2011 - breaking and entering vehicles (eight counts), misdemeanor larceny (two counts), larceny of a motor vehicle
2012 - four counts each of breaking and entering vehicles and misdemeanor larceny
2018 - misdemeanor larceny
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
