New Philadelphia bartender and bar charged in trace-back investigation of a fatal crash

OIU News Release

Date: May 19, 2017
Contact: Agent-in-Charge George Pitre
(330) 497-5411

New Philadelphia bartender and bar charged in trace-back investigation of a fatal crash

(CANTON) – On May 18, agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit criminally charged a bartender after conducting a trace-back investigation following a fatal crash earlier this year. 

Agents charged Michael Carter, 39, of New Philadelphia, with selling and/or furnishing beer to an intoxicated person. In February, administrative charges were filed against RR Investments Now, LLC, also known as JNG Grill, 114 Front Avenue SW, for furnishing beer or intoxicating liquor to an intoxicated person and also for sale of beer or intoxicating liquor to an intoxicated person.

The trace-back began after the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on January 20, in Tuscarawas County involving Amanda Milburn, 38, of Gnadenhutten. Agents determined Milburn had been drinking alcohol at the JNG Grill.

Carter is scheduled to be arraigned in New Philadelphia Municipal Court on May 25. If convicted, Carter could face up to 60 days in jail and a maximum $500 fine. The administrative case will be presented to the Ohio Liquor Control Commission at a later date. Possible administrative penalties include fines, suspensions or revocation of the liquor permit.

Agents routinely conduct trace-back investigations after alcohol-related crashes. A trace-back investigation traces the source of alcohol, whether it is sold or provided to an underage or an already intoxicated individual, following a serious injury or fatal crash, or an alcohol-related incident. 

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