Fall River man held without bail after arrest on drug and weapons charges

Tiverton Police say that a Fall River man has been arrested on drug and weapons charges.

According to Captain Michael Miguel, on February 16th at approximately 4:52 p.m., officers observed a Honda traveling south on Main Road near the intersection of Hilton Street in Tiverton. Officers further observed that two of the vehicle’s passengers were not wearing seat belts. Officers discovered the attached plates did not belong to the Honda and conducted a motor vehicle stop.

Upon contact with the operator and two passengers, one of which was later identified as 37-year-old Marcus Ponton, officers discovered that the vehicle had not been properly registered, and all occupants had suspended driver’s licenses. Officers discovered that Panton had an extensive criminal history, to include charges of possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance. Officers conducted a weapon’s frisk on Ponton which resulted in the discovery of 5 individually packaged bags of alleged crack cocaine concealed in his waist band. Officers also discovered 2 cell phones, distribution materials to include a digital scale with alleged cocaine residue, plastic bags, $333 cash in small, denominated bills, and 2 illegal knives in Ponton’s possession.

Ponton was arrested and charged with one count of Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance (Crack Cocaine) and one count of Weapons Other than Firearms Prohibited.

Ponton was arraigned in Newport District Court on February 17th and was ordered held without bail. His next scheduled court appearance is March 1st.