Pubdate: Thu, 14 Aug 2008
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI)
Copyright: 2008 Journal Sentinel Inc.
Contact: http://www.jsonline.com/news/editorials/submit.asp
Website: http://www.jsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265
Author: Jacqui Seibel
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

MAN WHO SOLD DRUGS OUT OF CANDLE SHOP GETS 1 1/2 YEARS PRISON

Waukesha - A former downtown business owner convicted of selling
marijuana from his candle shop was sentenced Wednesday to 1 1/2 years
in prison.

While he was the owner of Candles for You, 744 N. Grand Ave., James W.
Juhay sold marijuana to an undercover officer three times in June,
according to the criminal complaint. Police searched the store June
19, and nearly 400 grams of marijuana, about 95 grams of what was
possibly hashish and a digital scale were recovered.

Juhay told Waukesha County Circuit Judge Robert Mawdsley in court
Wednesday that he was being used to bring pot into Waukesha, and in
exchange he received free "smoke."

He didn't tell police about the people who were using him because he
was scared, Juhay said.

Mawdsley said he wasn't buying it.

"Your decision-making was poor. Your timing was poor. Do your time and
get out and get gainful employment," Mawdsley said.

Mawdsley also told Juhay that his drug dealing has a negative effect
on efforts to develop downtown Waukesha.

Juhay's attorney, Thomas Voss, said his client was diagnosed as
paranoid schizophrenic in 1987.

Juhay, 46, had no criminal record prior to this year.

His problems started when he got involved with the wrong people and
began to self-medicate, Voss said.

Juhay had been charged with three counts of manufacturing marijuana,
four counts of bail jumping, possession with intent to deliver
marijuana and maintaining a drug trafficking place, all felonies.

As part of the plea agreement, Juhay pleaded guilty to two felonies,
selling marijuana with intent to deliver and maintaining a drug
trafficking place, and one misdemeanor battery.

Assistant District Attorney Timothy F. Westphal said Juhay had
warnings to stay out of trouble before being caught selling marijuana.

"He's a dealer, he belongs in prison," Westphal said.

Juhay was also ordered to pay restitution of $564, which includes $175
the police spent when they purchased marijuana from him.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake