An Ohio business owner was recently arrested after she allegedly sold drugs in what is called a controlled buy. The woman has so far been charged with drug trafficking in the third-degree. Authorities believe that more drug charges will be filed soon in connection with the sale of synthetic marijuana.
Following this business woman’s arrest, her business and two other businesses in Belmont County were searched by agents from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Belmont County Drug Task Force and the sheriff’s office. Authorities seized an estimated $300,000 worth of synthetic marijuana, some guns, and cash during their searches. More arrests are forthcoming, but it is not known whether any more business owners are among those to be charged.
Authorities say that the businesses were warned not to sell the synthetic drugs, but those warnings were ignored. An increase in violent crimes has been blamed on the inundation of synthetic drugs in the community. More and more people are becoming addicted to the drugs despite the fact that some are suffering from seizures that are believed to be caused by the synthetic drugs.
The drug charges facing one business owner and those that may be arrested soon could carry significant consequences if a conviction is ultimately obtained. Despite the fact that anyone charged with a crime is innocent unless and until proven guilty, that does not mean that the defense should not be proactive and scrutinize all of the evidence, the investigation and any witness statements authorities say back up the charges. It is the sole responsibility of the prosecution to prove that the person or persons charged did, in fact, commit the crime. Still, having a defense strategy prepared only makes sense.
Source: wtov9.com, “Belmont Co. business owner charged after synthetic-drug bust; more arrests expected,” Adam Del Rosso, March 21, 2013
