Man Charged With Felony Marijuana Possession After Traffic Stop

A man who was arrested after a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper allegedly found over 16 pounds of marijuana in his car during a traffic stop pleaded not guilty to two felony charges Thursday in Albany County District Court.

James Bryant Harris, 29, pleaded not guilty to one count each of possession of marijuana and possession with intent to deliver. If convicted on both counts, he could face up to 15 years in prison and have to pay $20,000 in fines.

Court documents say a trooper stopped Harris, who was driving a black Volkswagen Jetta, for speeding in Albany County on May 5. A woman was reportedly in the passenger seat.

The trooper reportedly became suspicious of criminal activity, but the affidavit does not specify the reason for the suspicion.

The affidavit does say a K-9 alerted to the vehicle, and a subsequent search allegedly turned up several "THC 'VAPE'" capsules in two paper bags in a "suitcase that appeared to belong to a female."

Later in the search, troopers allegedly found 12 packages of marijuana in the spare tire compartment in the trunk of the car. Those packages weighed 16.27 pounds including packaging, according to court documents.

Harris is set to stand trial Dec. 7-8. He remains free on $10,000 cash bond.

Judge Jeffrey Donnell noted in court Thursday that he expects defense attorney Tom Fleener to file a motion to suppress evidence as the case proceeds.