YOUNGSTOWN Man receives probation in drug trafficking case

Prosecutors recommended probation because the man helped in other cases.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A Champion man was placed on probation Tuesday for charges rooted in operation of a major Mahoning Valley cocaine network.
Robert Treharn, 33, of Folsom Street, had pleaded guilty nearly a year ago in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to two counts of cocaine trafficking. A charge of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity was dismissed by prosecutors as part of a plea agreement.
Treharn's sentencing was delayed because his deal also required him to assist authorities in building cases against six other men who faced similar charges. Those cases have been handled.
Terry Grenga, assistant prosecutor, said that because Treharn cooperated with authorities, prosecutors agreed to recommend that he be placed on probation rather than be sent to prison.
Judge Jack Durkin followed that recommendation, placing Treharn on probation for one year.
On the right path
"I made a lot of bad choices," Treharn told Judge Durkin before sentencing, pointing out that he has been drug-free for two years.
Defense lawyer Gary Van Brocklin said Treharn had a job until a month ago, but has a lead on another one.
Treharn credited his high school friend, Jeff Allen, with turning his life around. Allen is a deputy sheriff assigned to the Mahoning Valley Drug Task Force, and was the one who arrested Treharn.
"He told me that my choices were going to prison or getting my life cleaned up," Treharn said, noting that the two attended Austintown Fitch High School together.
Judge Durkin said if Treharn violates terms of his probation, he could be sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Authorities have said the cocaine ring supplied cocaine to others, who sold it at bars in the city's suburbs and on the West Side. The network sold some 330 pounds of cocaine over a 10-year period, authorities added.
bjackson@vindy.com