Osborne faces three misdemeanor charges

A South Point man was arrested after selling liquor on the secondary market.

In December, agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) teamed up with Ohio Liquor Control (OHLQ), charging five people throughout Ohio after an investigation into secondary market liquor sales.

One of the five people arrested in unconnected cases was Gerald R. Osborne, 52, of South Point. He was charged with illegal sale of intoxicating liquor, a first-degree misdemeanor, illegal possession of intoxicating liquor, a first-degree misdemeanor, and illegal transportation of intoxicating liquor, a fourth-degree misdemeanor.

Secondary market liquor sales often take place on web sites, such as Craigslist and Facebook groups and Marketplace. Sellers go to other states, purchase bottles of liquor that are hard to find in Ohio and turn around to resell them. In Ohio, consumers may only purchase liquor from authorized sources like state controlled liquor stores or permitted retail establishments, such as bars and restaurants.

“When people purchase bottles on the secondary market, there is no guarantee of the health and safety of the bottle’s contents,” said Captain Gary Allen, commander of OIU. “Ohio has controls in place to ensure the contents inside liquor bottles are genuine and safe when purchased from authorized sources.”

OHLQ Superintendent Jim Canepa said that secondary sales are a no-win situation.

“They hurt the small businesses that sell these products legally and put consumers at risk,” he said. “Consumers are susceptible to both counterfeit or tampered with products. We’re grateful the Ohio Investigative Unit takes these cases seriously to keep our market fair and consumers safe.”

Others charged were Robert C. Jaskolka, 73, of Brunswick; Dennis M. Rigney-Carroll, 44, of Upper Arlington; Brian L. McSwain, 42, of Mason, and Joshua D. Ulam, 35, of Walton, Kentucky, with illegal sale of beer or intoxicating liquor without a permit, a first-degree misdemeanor.

The cases will be forwarded to local municipal courts. If convicted, each person could receive the maximum 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Osborne may also face another maximum 210 days in jail and $1,250 fine.

OIU and OHLQ will continue to investigate secondary market liquor sales. If you know of anyone selling alcohol illegally, contact OIU at #677.