December 20, 2013 at 4:37 p.m.
Second man connected to meth investigation makes first court appearance
Second man connected to meth investigation makes first court appearance
Jacinto, 29, made his initial appearance in Oneida County Circuit Court on Thursday. He is facing a class F felony charge which carries a maximum possible penalty of 12 1/2 years in the state prison system.
According to the criminal complaint, Jacinto is alleged to have sold one gram of meth on Dec. 11 to Randy Zadnik, 45, manager of Zadnik's Brick Oven Bistro on Brown Street in downtown Rhinelander. Law enforcement began investigating Zadnik on Dec. 14 after a person close to him expressed concern about his welfare. The subsequent investigation, which included interviews with several employees of Zadnik's, uncovered the use of methamphetamine as well as narcotic drugs not prescribed to Zadnik, the complaint states.
Several employees referred to Jacinto as the suspected source of meth Zadnik is alleged to have used.
In an interview with a Zadnik's employee, Jacinto was referred to as being involved in the operation of Casa Mexicana, but the restaurant's owner Jaime Jacinto has said that is not the case. Jacinto said Pedro is a relative but has no affiliation with Casa Mexicana, which he has operated with his sister, Sophia, since 2011. Most recently Pedro was working at a restaurant in Eagle River, Jaime said.
"We've grown to love Rhinelander," Jaime said. "We work here. We live here. We hope this doesn't affect our business and hope to continue to serve the city of Rhinelander for many years to come."
"We love Rhinelander, have a good business and are a hard-working family," Sophia added. "I don't want people to get the wrong impression. (Pedro's alleged) actions have nothing to do with our business."
Pedro Jacinto has also stated he is not affiliated with Casa Mexicana. He made the statement during his court appearance Thursday after an assistant district attorney alluded to ownership interests in the restaurant during a bond argument. Judge Patrick O'Melia set bond at $1,000 cash with a condition that Jacinto not leave the state. He is scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance Monday.
Zadnik is also scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance Monday. He is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of narcotic drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is currently in custody on a $1,500 cash bond.
Kyle Rogers may be reached at kyle@ rivernewsonline.com.
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