IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — A Hamptonville man is facing a felony firearm charge and several misdemeanor charges following a traffic stop conducted by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Sheriff Darren Campbell, members of the Sheriff’s Office Aggressive Criminal Enforcement (ACE) Team stopped a vehicle on June 25 at the intersection of Harmony Highway and Hunting Creek Road.

Deputies identified the driver as 35-year-old Ricky Joseph White of Hamptonville. Investigators say White was driving while his license was revoked and observed an open container of alcohol in plain view.

A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered illegal narcotics and a handgun. Deputies determined White is a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.

White was charged with felony possession of a firearm by a felon, misdemeanor possession of a Schedule III controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor possession of marijuana drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor careless and reckless driving, and misdemeanor driving while license revoked.

White was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center. A magistrate ordered him held under a $12,000 secured bond. Court information was not immediately available.