Hillsboro man sentenced on drug possession charge

A Hillsboro man was sentenced recently to community control, plus 30 days in jail, after pleading guilty to a drug possession charge.

As previously reported, John Barger, 38, was indicted by a Highland County grand jury in August and was charged with possession of a fentanyl-related compound, a fourth-degree felony; aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony; and a forfeiture specification.

According to court records, Barger pleaded guilty to the fourth-degree felony charge and forfeiture specification in September. 

The indictment alleged that on or about April 6, Barger “knowingly obtained, possessed or used a fentanyl-related compound, to wit: fentanyl, in an amount that equals or exceeds 10 unit doses but is less than 50 unit doses or exceeds one gram but was less than five grams.” A 2006 F-150 in Barger’s possession is subject to forfeiture due to its alleged “instrumentality in the commission or facilitation of the offense,” the indictment says.

During a Nov. 5 hearing, Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss ordered Barger to serve three years of community control, plus 30 days in the Highland County Jail. Barger was additionally ordered to successfully complete substance use disorder treatment and recommended aftercare. The truck was ordered forfeited to the sheriff, with the truck title ordered transferred to county commissioners, according to the judgment entry.