Suspect's bond set; $1.5 million

An Atmore man with three prior felonies and who was on probation for a felony marijuana case is back in jail on multiple drug charges and a weapons violation.

Austin J. Gray, Jr., 43, with addresses listed at 618 Franklin St., and 49 Shelby Lane, was arrested last Wednesday and charged with possession of marijuana I, trafficking synthetic cannabis, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm.

District Judge Eric Coale set his bond at $1.5 million and the district attorney's office also filed, and was granted, a motion to revoke his probation, which carries no bond.

According to court records, Gray had three prior felony convictions for drugs and forgery. He was on probation after pleading guilty on Dec. 12, 2018 for unlawful possession of marijuana I. In that case he was sentenced to 97 months in prison with 24 months to serve, followed by 36 months of probation.

Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks stated in a release that officers with his department, the Escambia and Monroe County Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Poarch Drug Task Force, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office and the Alabama Department of Corrections, executed a search warrant mid-day on Aug. 26, at 618 Franklin St., Atmore, and discovered the illegal drugs, paraphernalia and firearms.

Brooks stated agents located a duffle bag with about 1,610 grams of synthetic cannabis (spice), 125 grams of marijuana and numerous scales and baggies for distribution.

Court records show the controlled substance Tramadol.

The report also stated officers seized a .22-caliber rifle and two pistols.