March 26, 2014 at 7:46 p.m.
Probation ordered in meth case involving restaurant manager
Probation ordered in meth case involving restaurant manager
Randy Zadnik, 45, manager of Zadnik's Brick Oven Bistro on Brown Street, entered a no contest plea to a single felony count of possession of narcotic drugs. Two other charges, including possession of methamphetamine, were dismissed as part of the plea deal with the state.
Oneida County Assistant District Attorney Steve Michlig recommended two years of probation for Zadnik. He said he would leave the terms, including the possibility of additional jail time, up to the court's discretion. Before posting bond, Zadnik spent approximately a week in the county jail following his arrest in December.
"I think the felony conviction is appropriate based on the seriousness of the drugs involved but I also think probation is appropriate," Michlig said.
Judge Patrick O'Melia followed the state's recommendation. He didn't impose any additional jail time.
"I think when all is said and done, if the purpose is to rehabilitate and get you back to being a part of the community, any more jail time is overdoing it," O'Melia said. "I think you got the point."
In making the determination to impose only a two-year probationary period, O'Melia noted Zadnik's apparent willingness to put the criminal charges behind him and move on with his life in a positive way.
"When I look at this I see somebody who immediately admitted to having a problem, proceeded without an attorney and was willing to plead to a felony," O'Melia said. "I think there's a lot of remorse and embarrassment associated with this."
O'Melia ordered alcohol/drug abuse treatment as a condition of probation, but said the probation office should be made aware that Zadnik has already undergone some treatment and counseling. Zadnik provided the court with a letter from his counselor Wednesday detailing the progress that he has made up to this point.
Zadnik was arrested and charged in December after a person close to him called law enforcement expressing concern about his welfare. An investigation on Dec. 14, which included interviews with several employees of Zadnik's Brick Oven Bistro, uncovered the use of methamphetamine as well as narcotic drugs not prescribed to Zadnik. The criminal complaint also referenced a suspected meth transaction that occurred at the restaurant on Dec. 11 between Zadnik and Pedro Jacinto, who was also charged as part of the investigation.
Jacinto was sentenced last week.
Kyle Rogers may be reached at [email protected].
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