From staff reports

An Akron man is in jail after deputies recovered more than a pound-and-a-half of suspected methamphetamine from his car, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Joe’Veon Penson-Willis, 21, 810 Amberhill Drive, Apt. B, Akron, is being held on a $100,000 bond after he was charged with a first-degree felony count of trafficking in meth and a third-degree felony count of trafficking in heroin, a release from the sheriff’s office said.

A black sedan driven by Penson-Willis was stopped near mile marker 1 on Interstate 77 Thursday evening after a deputy observed it driving erratically and having a rear tire that appeared “defective to the point where it was going to fall off of the vehicle,” the release said. While speaking with occupants, the deputy observed evidence that provided probable cause to search the vehicle, it said.

Other deputies arrived to assist, and a hidden compartment was found, the release said. Deputies seized a gallon-sized bag containing 1.51 pounds of suspected meth, a bag containing 5.56 grams of heroin and a bag with 16.22 grams of suspected marijuana.

Penson-Willis was arraigned Friday in Marietta Municipal Court.