Judge grants early release from prison for convicted drug trafficker

YOUNGSTOWN — The judge who sentenced a former bar owner to 4 1/2 years in prison on 17 counts of drug trafficking at his bar 19 months ago released the defendant today from prison to the Community Corrections Association and put him on three years’ probation.

Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court released John Messer. 60, of Raccoon Road, Austintown, from the Marion Correctional Institution to spend the next four to six months in residence at CCA.

The drug-trafficking counts pertained to sales of cocaine and prescription pills (Vicodin and OxyContin) at the former Riverbend Tavern on Poland Avenue.

Judge Krichbaum warned Messer that he’ll send him back to prison to complete the remainder of his sentence if he violates any terms of his probation.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com