Man gets probation for creative drug dealing

A man who used a creative sales tactic at the Gathering of the Juggalos at Legend Valley Concert Venue and Campground earlier this year received a community control sentence Tuesday.

John W. Reardon, 19, originally from Wareham, Massachusetts, entered no contest pleas to charges of aggravated trafficking and possession, as well as charges of trafficking and possession of LSD.

Assistant Licking County Prosecutor Brian Waltz said Reardon was spotted by undercover officers from the Central Ohio Drug Enforcement Task Force at the concert in July performing drug transactions. A woman who was with Reardon was advertising "Molly for sale" on her bare chest, Waltz said.

Reardon had 14 grams of MDMA, commonly called Molly, and four strips of LSD in his possession.

Reardon's attorney, Diane Menashe, said her client has done well while on pre-trial bond. He lives in Newark and is working two jobs, she said.

Reardon told Judge David Branstool he made a mistake.

"I've been doing everything in my power to right my wrongs," he said.

Branstool adopted a joint recommendation for a community control sentence. Reardon was ordered to serve three years on probation and complete 100 hours of community service. He will also be required to pay all court costs and fees. Branstool suspended his driver's license for six months.

The Gathering of the Juggalos is an annual concert which draws fans of the band Insane Clown Posse from across the country. The event has been held the past two years at Legend Valley, which is located in Thornville.

Published by Newarkadvocate.com