Man Accused of Marijuana Trafficking

Mentor Police arrested a man Monday who is accused of trafficking marijuana.

A police officer pulled over 37-year-old Michael Chandler on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90, near the Center Street exit.

When the officer approached Chandler's car, he smelled marijunana, Mentor Police Lt. Ken Zbiegien said.

"As soon as he rolled down the window, the officer could smell it," Zbiegien said.

Chandler, who is from Ashtabula, admitted to the officer that he had marijuana hidden in his underwear, Zbiegien said.

Consequently, police confiscated the 49 grams of marijuana Chandler had on him.

Zbiegien said, based on Chandler's cell phone records, police believe the marijuana was for sale and not personal use. Zbiegien did not specify what led police to that conclusion.

Chandler was charged with marijuana trafficking, possession of criminal tools (specifically, cell phones,) and driving with a suspended license.

He was arraigned Tuesday in . Judge John Trebets set Chandler's bond at $18,000, which was not posted. His next cour hearing is scheduled for April 30.

Chandler was previously convicted of drug trafficking in 2003 in Cuyahoga Court of Common Pleas. He was sentenced to two years in prison.