CARTHAGE — Maine State Police arrested a Carthage man Sunday after police found 97.6 grams of cocaine, cash and other drug-related items at his residence during a bail check, trooper Randy Hall said.

Hall charged John Ellis, 68, with felony trafficking of narcotics and violation of bail conditions.

Ellis was out on $50,000 cash bail from a Feb. 27 drug-trafficking charge. He was taken to the Franklin County jail in Farmington.

Hall stopped Ellis on a traffic violation Sunday on Coburn Road in Carthage. He followed Ellis back to his residence to ensure compliance of his bail conditions, he said.

Hall found an ammo can in Ellis’ residence which contained 97.6 grams of cocaine, digital scales with white powder residue, five crack pipes and other paraphernalia, as well as cutting agents, he said.

Police also seized $3,481 in cash.

Ellis’ bail was set Monday at $60,000 cash that is concurrent to the $50,000 he already posted. It means in order to get out of jail, Ellis will need to come up with an additional $10,000 cash. He remained at the Franklin County jail Monday afternoon.

Hall previously stopped Ellis on Route 142 in Carthage on Feb. 27 for a speeding violation.

Hall said at the time he smelled marijuana during the traffic stop and searched the vehicle. Hall found marijuana, cocaine and “many assorted” prescription pills, as well as drug paraphernalia and $2,500 in cash in the vehicle, according to the Sun Journal archives.

Police later searched Ellis’ home and said they found cocaine, prescription pills and $3,900 in cash. He was arrested on a drug trafficking charge at that time, as well.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

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