NEWS

Jail, probation for man with explosives

Bethany Bruner
Reporter

NEWARK — A man was given jail time and probation for having about five pounds of military-grade explosives in his vehicle.

Jay S. West, 30, of Coshocton, entered a guilty plea to one count of unlawful possession of a dangerous ordnance, a fifth-degree felony, Thursday morning in front of Judge Thomas Marcelain.

Assistant Licking County Prosecutor Chris Reamer said on Aug. 3, Newark police went to West's apartment on Empire Drive in Newark after receiving information he might have explosives.

West initially would not open the door for police, but eventually allowed police to search his vehicle and apartment.

Reamer said police found five blocks of C4 explosives, as well as blasting caps, grenade fuses, detonator cord and other items in the trunk of West's vehicle. More than $12,000 was seized from West's apartment.

West's attorney, Zachary Meranda, said West had purchased the explosives from someone who had brought it into the barbershop where West was working in Knox County.

The person who sold West the explosives was a member of the military, Reamer said. It is believed the explosives came from a military base on the west coast.

Because the sale happened in Knox County, Reamer said the Licking County Prosecutor's Office is not involved in any other aspects of the investigation.

Meranda said West was "extremely remorseful" for his lack of judgment, rushing into a "cool purchase" without consideration for what might happen. He said West had no malicious intent in having the explosives and wanted to blow up tree stumps and similar items in the countryside for fun.

Jay West (left) was sentenced to 30 days in the Licking County Justice Center and three years on community control after pleading guilty to having about five pounds of C4, blast caps and other explosive devices.

West told Marcelain he took full responsibility for his actions and was willing to accept any sentence handed down.

The maximum penalty for a fifth-degree felony is one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

Marcelain ordered West to serve 30 days in jail beginning Oct. 15 and three years of community control. West also will have to pay all court costs and fees and the maximum fine of $2,500.