Officials arrested an Ohio University student Saturday night for selling cocaine and prescription drugs, completing an investigation that began during Palmerfest.
Adam B. Bernon of 5 1/2 Palmer St., a senior from Beachwood, Ohio, was arrested after he sold prescription painkillers to an informant working with the Athens Police Department Saturday.
During two previous controlled buys, Bernon sold around five grams of cocaine to officers, Detective Chuck Haegele said.
When you look at this scenario
this is a guy (whose) first buys were with cocaine and then he moved into the realms of opiates which they're all illegal
(but) with opiates
there's such an incredible risk of addiction and overdose
Haegele said.
Police became interested in Bernon last May after they were told he may have been selling cocaine during Palmerfest, Haegele said.
Officials filed a search warrant for Bernon's house Nov. 2 last year, according to court records.
It really does take time for these investigations if you want to prepare a good
solid case
Haegele said, adding that police need to take time and precautions to make sure buy bust operations do not violate a suspects' rights.
During a buy bust operation, police buy drugs from a suspect before arresting him or her for selling drugs.
With the help of a police dog, Jersey, officers found marijuana, prescription drugs and drug paraphernalia in Bernon's home. Although officers did not find any cocaine, they found items commonly used to package and sell cocaine, Haegele said.
Haegele said the arrest went smoothly.
Any time that the police officers come in and say 'you're under arrest
' would be a little surprising
Haegele said. There was no major incident. He didn't try to fight or flee or anything like that.
Police interviewed Bernon and another unidentified person before taking Bernon to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.
Police said they were unsure of whether or not the unidentified person was involved with Bernon.
Bernon is charged with three fourth-degree felonies, which have a maximum sentence of 18 months, and one fifth-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 12 months, according to the Ohio Revised Code. He will be arraigned on all charges today.
