Poland man receives probation in drug case

The defendant had already checked in to a drug rehabilitation program.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The second of two men charged with dealing drugs to Poland teen-agers was sentenced Wednesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
David S. Hay, 23, of Clovermead Avenue, Poland, was placed on three years' probation by Judge R. Scott Krichbaum. He pleaded guilty in June to a misdemeanor count of attempted drug trafficking.
Judge Krichbaum said Ohio law required him to grant probation rather than sentencing Hay to jail. If Hay violates terms of his probation, though, he could be locked up for six months.
"If you get into any trouble while you're on probation, you are coming back to me, and I promise you'll do every bit of that jail time," Judge Krichbaum said.
Robert Duffrin, assistant prosecutor, said Hay's original charge was reduced to a misdemeanor as part of a plea bargain because Hay cooperated with authorities during the investigation. An undercover agent bought three pills from Hay for $90, Duffrin said.
Hay said he has already checked in to a drug rehabilitation program and wants to turn his life around.
"If you are serious about that, then I'm with you," Judge Krichbaum said. He suspended Hay's driver's license for six months.
Also sentenced: Earlier this month, 22-year-old Scot Semer of Youngstown-Poland Road, Poland, was placed on probation for five years by Judge Krichbaum. He had pleaded guilty to three felony counts of drug trafficking.
Police said the two were responsible for selling the party drug Ecstasy and other illegal drugs to Poland teen-agers in March and April. They were secretly indicted April 12 by a county grand jury.
Ecstasy is a mind-altering drug that can cause users to lose inhibitions and experience distorted vision or hearing. It is usually sold as a capsule and is popular with young adults.
bjackson@vindy.com