Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

Charleston Mayor Danny Jones released a statement Thursday about his 23-year-old son’s arrest on a drug charge, saying he is relieved because incarceration may save his son’s life.

“It may surprise many to know that I was relieved when I found out Zac was arrested because I know that the only things that might save his life are isolation and yes, incarceration,” Jones said. “If in jail or prison, I know that Zac has a better chance at living than on the outside. This is because Zac is a hopeless drug addict who has broken the heart and the will of everyone and anyone who has tried to help him.”

Jones said his son, Zachary Jones, was arrested Thursday morning on charges of possession with intent to deliver an ounce of cocaine. The mayor’s son was arrested along with Moldavian Harris, a 24-year-old from Detroit, and after being arraigned was lodged in the South Central Regional Jail on $25,000 bond.

“This arrest comes on the top of a DUI arrest in 2008 and a heroin possession arrest in 2010,” the mayor said. “Contrary to the unkind remarks made in 2010 about his heroin arrest, I have never interceded to attempt to get my son favorable treatment.

“Quite to the contrary, I informed our police department of my son’s whereabouts in order to have him arrested. When he was arrested, I actually asked to have his bond raised. Unfortunately, one of Zac’s associates paid his bond.

“I know there are a few parents that will read this and relate to the heartbreak I feel. I plead with those in the law enforcement, judicial, jail and prison system to treat my son no better or worse than any other defendant. My son does not need anyone to save him from taking this life saving fall.”

A criminal complaint filed in Kanawha County Magistrate Court said a Metro Drug Unit officer was conducting a traffic stop when he pulled over a white Mazda for speeding. Zachary Jones was the driver, and 25.7 grams of cocaine were found during a search of the vehicle, the complaint said. The complaint said Harris was a passenger in the vehicle.

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