By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – A 25-year-old Alabaster man is facing up to life in prison after he was arrested in early August and charged with trafficking synthetic LSD in the city.

The Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force arrested James Matthew Lowrey, who lists an address on First Avenue West in Alabaster, on Aug. 5 and charged him with one felony count of trafficking drugs, three felony counts of distribution of a controlled substance, one felony count of possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor charges of second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Lowrey was released from the Shelby County Jail on Aug. 7 after posting bonds totaling $142,000.

According to his arrest warrants, Lowrey allegedly was found in possession of 9.9 grams of synthetic LSD at his residence on Jan. 28. The quantity of the controlled substance led to the trafficking charge, according to his arrest warrant.

He also was charged with distributing synthetic LSD and psilocybin mushrooms on multiple occasions between December 2014 and June 1.

He allegedly distributed synthetic LSD from his home on Dec. 18, 2014, and again on Jan. 26. He allegedly distributed mushrooms from his home on June 1.

On Jan. 28, Lowrey also was allegedly found to be in possession of Adderall, marijuana and the controlled substance ethylone, according to his arrest warrants.

Trafficking in drugs is a Class A felony, and is punishable by up to life in prison upon conviction. Distribution of a controlled substance is a Class B felony, and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison upon conviction.

Lowrey is scheduled to appear in Shelby County District Court on Sept. 2 for a preliminary hearing.