On September 16, 2023, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office responded to Bethel Lucas Rd., Asheboro, in reference to a welfare check. Upon arrival, deputies observed an unattended vehicle obstructing the roadway. Shortly after, Michael Ray Penley, the owner of the vehicle arrived. Deputies offered Penley a ride to the gas station and he accepted. During a subsequent search, methamphetamine was located on Penley.
Around this time a Trooper from the NC Highway Patrol trooper arrived on scene. The Trooper offered to standby with the vehicle and to call a wrecker to have Mr. Penley's vehicle removed from the roadway. Prior to transporting Mr. Penley, the Trooper issued Mr. Penley a citation for an unrelated traffic offense.
While transporting Penley to the Randolph County Detention Center, he confessed to also having fentanyl in his possession. After arriving at the detention center, it was retrieved.
The magistrate found probable cause for charges of felony possession of methamphetamine and felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. He was issued a $1,000 secured bond and a first appearance was set for September 18, 2023, in Randolph County District Court.
Name of Defendant:
Michael Ray Penley
Age: 41