Joe Ernst is back in jail after he was detained Christmas Eve by Chardon Police responding to a 911 call at a Grant Street house Ernst owns, said Chardon Police Chief Scott Niehus.
Joe Ernst is back in jail after he was detained Christmas Eve by Chardon Police responding to a 911 call at a Grant Street house Ernst owns, said Chardon Police Chief Scott Niehus.
Ernst, 71, of Rock Creek Road, Hambden, the owner of Ernst Lanes, the shuttered Chardon bowling alley, was turned over to the Geauga Safety Center after he violated the terms of his bond.
Ernst is facing a felony crack cocaine possession charge after his Dec. 12 arrest at the bowling alley. He was released after posting a $300,000 cash or surety bond Dec. 19.
Chardon police and EMS responded to a 4:33 a.m. 9-1-1 call Dec. 24 to Geauga County Sheriff’s Office dispatch, Niehus said.
There were two males and one female present at 116 Grant St., a house directly across the street from the bowling alley.
“The male and female were in the throes of an overdose,” Niehus said. “Both were taken to the hospital. A third person present at the house was the home owner, Joe Ernst.”
The male who was transported to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center died, Niehus said, making the investigation more involved.
Ernst was detained, it was discovered he was on pre-trial release and at some point he was subjected to a drug test, Niehus said. The probation department found he was in violation of his bond, which had been set by Chardon Municipal Court Judge Terri Stupica.
Ernst was then remanded to jail, Niehus said.
Chardon police are now working with Geauga County Sheriff’s Office detectives and the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office about future charges to Ernst or the other person at the house.
The name of the deceased has not been released, Niehus said, as he had not received a report from Geauga County Coroner John Urbancic.
“At this point, we’ve collected evidence and we’ll get everything back and then consult with prosecutors and put a case together,” said Niehus.
Ernst’s lawyer, Ian Friedman, said he had no comment at this time but would be making a statement at Ernst’s arraignment in Geauga County Common Pleas Court if Ernst were to be indicted on the drug possession, a first-degree felony that could carry a maximum prison sentence of 11 years.
Ernst Lanes, located at 10651 Grant St. in Hambden Township, has been for sale for about six months listed at $995,000.
A search on Geauga RealLink ties Joseph G. Ernst to 13 properties in Geauga County, including rental properties, single family dwellings and vacant land.
