Monroe, NC – A 30-year-old man from Matthews was arrested Tuesday afternoon after deputies discovered a drug-filled backpack outside the Union County Courthouse.
According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Johnny Johnson arrived for a scheduled court appearance carrying a backpack and asked courthouse security to hold it for him. When informed that deputies couldn’t store personal items, Johnson allegedly stepped outside and tossed the bag into nearby bushes before re-entering the building.
Deputies said Johnson was later arrested inside the courthouse on outstanding warrants related to a domestic violence protection order. The abandoned backpack caught deputies’ attention, prompting an investigation. Inside, they reportedly found about 26 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a machete, and a hatchet—the same bag Johnson had allegedly tried to hand over moments earlier.
Johnson now faces felony possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon on court/state property, and carrying a concealed weapon. He remains in custody on a $25,000 secured bond, according to authorities.
Deputies humorously noted that while they ultimately took care of Johnson’s backpack, it’s now “stored securely in evidence.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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