A Pomona man is facing new felony charges after police say a traffic stop on April 15 led to the discovery of more than 68 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and several thousand dollars in cash.
According to a probable cause statement filed in Howell County, Officer Branden Vernon made contact with Elijah Joseph Harper, who was already a suspect in a separate felony incident earlier in the week. After receiving information that Harper and another individual might be in possession of controlled substances, a K9 unit was requested. The K9 alerted on the vehicle, and officers conducted a probable‑cause search.
Inside the vehicle, officers reported finding a box containing a clear bag of crystallized methamphetamine weighing approximately 68.1 grams, along with a large amount of cash. A glass smoking device and multiple plastic baggies were also recovered. “During the search of the vehicle, I located a box that contained a clear bag containing a crystallized substance that tested positive for methamphetamine,” the statement reads.
Harper is charged with second‑degree drug trafficking and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Court records note he is already out on bond in multiple pending felony cases, including possession of a controlled substance, tampering with a motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing, burglary, stealing firearms, and domestic assault offenses.
Due to what investigators describe as an escalating pattern of criminal behavior, police requested a no‑bond warrant and the revocation of all existing bonds.
