Co-owner of coffee shops gets probation

Staff report

LISBON

Peter M. Lynch, 53, co-owner of the coffee shops Friends Roastery in Salem and Friends Specialty in Youngstown, has been sentenced to four years’ probation and fined $5,000 on a drug-possession charge.

The sentence was imposed Thursday by Judge Scott A. Washam of Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.

Lynch had pleaded guilty as charged at the third- degree felony level in August.

The Columbiana County Drug Task Force said it executed a search warrant Oct. 1, 2013, at Lynch’s Summit Street home in Salem and found about 5 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a pistol in the home and garage after a yearlong investigation.

“We’re very pleased that Mr. Lynch will be able to continue to operate his business and be a very positive part of the community,” said Lynch’s lawyer, C. Bruce Williams of Salem.

“The dark side of this is just a small part of his life, and it’s over,” Williams added.

Williams said he was thankful for letters of support for Lynch from business and community leaders, which Williams summarized for the judge.

Lynch, who has no prior criminal record, could have gone to prison for up to three years and been fined up to $10,000.

Lynch’s wife, Patricia Tinkler, 51, co-owner of the coffee shops, who also is charged with drug possession, is scheduled for a hearing at 3 p.m. Nov. 7 before the same judge on her motion for drug treatment in lieu of conviction.