Police responded to a trespassing call at a local hotel Monday and found a Troy man with what appeared to be a box that contained a “significant amount” of what appeared to be methamphetamine.

John Middlebrook Sherling, 39, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute as a result of the investigation.

“In Sherling’s room, police found evidence of narcotics use,” said Chief Randall Barr. “They also located a box that contained syringes and a plastic bag that contained a significant amount of a white crystal-like substance. The white crystal-like substance field-tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine.”

Sherling was placed under arrest prior to the search of the room when officers discovered a warrant for his arrest out of Houston County on a charge of third-degree burglary.

Sherling was booked into the Pike County Jail on $10,000 bond and a hold was placed on him for the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.

Unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute is a Class B Felony under Alabama law, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.