Pubdate: Mon, 07 Apr 2014
Source: Norwalk Reflector (OH)
Copyright: 2014 Norwalk Reflector
Contact:  http://www.norwalkreflector.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4443
Author: Cary Ashby

MARIJUANA DEALER GETS 6 MONTHS IN JAIL FOR PROBATION VIOLATION

Defendant Had Seven Positive Drug Screens Since Being Put On
Probation In Late September 2011.

An Erie County man convicted of selling marijuana was sentenced Monday
to six months in jail for violating his probation.

James A. Speer, 29, of Castalia, will be terminated from local
probation after he serves 180 days in the Huron County Jail on the
work release program. The sentence started Monday.

Huron County Common Pleas Judge Jim Conway warned the defendant he
needs to stay "substance free" until he completes the term or he faces
time in a locked-down treatment facility or prison.

Speer, at Monday's hearing, admitted to being convicted Feb. 3 of
theft through Norwalk Municipal Court and testing positive for THC and
oxycodone at jail March 1.

Probation officer Dexter Chandler gave a rundown of Speer's time under
community control sanctions at Monday's hearing. Chandler said the
defendant had seven positive drug screens since being sentenced to
three years of probation in late September 2011.

In April 2013, Speer was convicted of receiving stolen property for a
Perkins Township shoplifting incident.

Speer has a pending case in connection with taking a bicycle rack from
the Strikenfadden Park in Perkins Township on Feb. 28, Chandler said.
The defendant is charged with theft, receiving stolen property and
criminal trespassing. Chandler said Speer reported to the local jail
the next day for a child support-related warrant and that was when he
tested positive for using marijuana and opiates.

Chandler told the judge he spoke with Speer many times over the years
about his drug usage, but believes he's done as much as can do for
him. After Monday's hearing, the probation officer warned Speer
multiple times about the consequences of drinking or having a positive
drug screen while he's on the work release program. Speer will work at
his father's landscaping company.

Speer's underlying conviction is one count of trafficking in marijuana
for a Feb. 5, 2011 incident.
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