Ex-concert promoter released on probation

The Salem man will make monthly payments until the debt is paid in full.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A former concert promoter at Ponderosa Park has been granted early release from prison. He also got a stern caution from the judge about repaying park patrons he defrauded.
"If you miss a payment for any reason, I swear to God I will put you back in the penitentiary," said Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
Jeffrey Best, 33, of Salem-Warren Road, Salem, had served just more than one year of a 30-month sentence Judge Krichbaum imposed last year for defrauding park patrons out of more than $13,000.
Request
In April, Best filed a written request to be let out of prison early on judicial release. A hearing on the request was Tuesday. The judge had denied two previous requests without holding hearings.
Best said he has secured a construction job that will enable him to make monthly payments of at least $500 toward restitution.
"At this point, it's not about me, it's about the victims of these crimes getting their money back," Best told the judge. "The only way I can do that is to be on the outside."
Judge Krichbaum suspended the balance of Best's prison sentence and placed him on probation for three years. Best is to continue the monthly payments until the total debt of $13,382.50 is paid.
Either the Community Corrections Association or the Ohio Adult Parole Authority will oversee collection and disbursement of the money, Judge Krichbaum said.
Best was accused of accepting money and credit card payments from park patrons for concert tickets while he worked there as concert promoter. However, he used the money and payments to pay for other park expenses instead.
The patrons got neither their tickets nor their money back. Best pleaded guilty last year to theft, misusing credit cards and passing bad checks.
bjackson@vindy.com