Teddy Gentry, a bassist from Alabama, was detained for possessing marijuana but was later released.

Alabama’s founding member and bassist Teddy Gentry was detained on marijuana-related charges on Monday in the group’s home state.

 

According to jail records, Gentry, 70, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and put into the Cherokee County Jail.

 

He was freed on his own recognisance less than 30 minutes later, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office confirms to PEOPLE. The spokeswoman clarifies that Gentry will appear in court at a later date.

 

Both of Gentry’s accusations are misdemeanours under Alabama law because recreational marijuana is illegal in the state, which means that unlawful possession in the second degree suggests the marijuana was only intended for personal use.

 

According to the spokesperson, Gentry was the driver of a speeding car when it was stopped by a deputy, who then made the arrest during a traffic stop.

 

The event is not anticipated to have any effect on Alabama’s upcoming tour dates, which are planned to run through December, according to a representative for the band, who declined to comment.

 

Along with his cousins Randy Owen and Jeff Cook, Gentry, who resides in Fort Payne, Alabama, is a founding member of the popular country band. Late in the 1960s, the trio formed the band under the moniker Wild Country. In 1977, they changed their name to Alabama.

 

According to their website, the “Dixieland Delight” singers have sold 73 million albums, achieved 21 consecutive No. 1 singles, and were elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.