By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – A 24-year-old Montevallo man is being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond after he allegedly distributed marijuana in Montevallo while he was out on bond for previous charges of allegedly distributing marijuana in Alabaster.

The Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force arrested Ronnie Demetrice Robertson, who lists an address on Skyview Drive in Montevallo, on April 15 and charged him with two felony counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, one felony count of first-degree possession of marijuana and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to his arrest warrants, Robertson allegedly distributed marijuana from his residence on March 23 and on April 13. On April 14, he allegedly possessed marijuana for “other than personal use,” according to his warrants.

Unlawful possession of a controlled substance is a Class B felony, according to Alabama law, and carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. First-degree possession of marijuana is a Class C felony, and carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years upon conviction.

When Robertson was arrested on April 15, he was out on bond for several Alabaster drug charges brought against him in 2015.

According to his indictments, Robertson allegedly distributed marijuana on Fulton Springs Lane in Alabaster in 2014 on July 17, July 23 and July 29. He was released from jail on May 6, 2015, after posting bonds totaling $46,000, but he failed to appear for a Nov. 30, 2015, court hearing, resulting in alias warrants being issued for his arrest.

He has already had his initial court appearance in Shelby County District Court, and is set to have his preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18, at the Shelby County Courthouse.