JAMES ISLAND, SC (WCSC) -
A suspected drug dealer told police that he was selling marijuana to pay for electricity bills and take care of his step kids, according to a police report.
The Charleston Police Department charged Hubert Lee Edmond with possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
On Thursday afternoon, police officers say they were on patrol in the area of EME apartments on 1815 Central Park Road on James Island when police spotted Edmond attempting to open a van in the parking lot.
Police say when Edmond saw officers coming into the area, he stopped what he was doing and just stood by the van.
According to investigators, Edmond then dropped a brown cigar from his left hand. Officers say when they spoke to Edmond, a strong odor of marijuana was coming from him. Edmond told officers that he was just checking his sister's van.
A police report states that a gram of marijuana was found in the cigar Edmond dropped. Officers say they also found marijuana in 11 plastic bags in Edmond's jacket pocket.
After Edmond was read his Miranda rights, he told a police officer,"Times are tough...I have to pay the light bills, and take care of my step kids."
Investigators say they believed Edmond was implying that he intended to distribute the bags of marijuana to make a profit.
Police say Edmond's sister arrived on scene and confirmed that the van her brother was seen by was a vehicle that she had rented. Officers were then given consent to search the vehicle and found no additional contraband.
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