Man gets probation in drug case

Members of the Boone family were also charged in the illegal drug enterprise.
WARREN -- Christopher N. Jibotian, 20, North Park Avenue Extension, Bristolville, was sentenced Monday to five years' probation for his part in the drug ring that led to an investigation called Operation Green Tree.
Jibotian pleaded guilty in March 2006 in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court to two counts of complicity to trafficking in marijuana and one count of trafficking in marijuana.
Several other participants in the enterprise already have been sentenced for their part in the drug ring, including Robert D. Boone, 26, of Pierce Road in Champion, considered to be the primary player in the operation.
Boone's mother, Sharon, 46, also of the Pierce Road address, has pleaded guilty to complicity to trafficking in marijuana and permitting drug abuse; and his sister, Lisa Boone of Shafer Road in Champion, is charged with trafficking in marijuana and cocaine.
One-year probe
In all, charges were filed against seven people after a one-year investigation by the Trumbull Ashtabula, Geauga Law Enforcement Task Force that began after Champion police received anonymous tips about drug trafficking.
Investigators dubbed the investigation Operation Green Tree because, during the probe, task force members determined that they were interrupting small criminal groups, or branches, with multiple ties to one family -- the Boones.
During the investigation, eight locations were searched in Champion, Warren, Niles and Cortland. Using search warrants, police seized cash, vehicles, a boat and other items believed to be connected with the drug trade.
As part of Jibotian's plea bargain, prosecutors said he agreed to testify as needed in any other drug-ring cases.