Tattoo Shop Owner Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges

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The owner of a tattoo shop in Pendleton pleaded guilty Tuesday to drug charges in the Sixth Circuit Court, but will not spend time in prison.

Jason Reid Lybrand, the owner of Wicked Kitty in Pendleton, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of methamphetamine – a felony – and the unlawful delivery of five grams or more of marijuana – a misdemeanor. He will serve three years of supervision for parole and probation.

According to Umatilla County District Attorney Dan Primus, Lybrand made telephone calls while in jail on domestic charges. Primus said Lybrand asked his mother to meet with a man who was to purchase five pounds of marijuana. Primus said the mother declined to make the deal, and the call led Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team detectives to search Lybrand’s truck where they found marijuana and 11 grams of methamphetamine as well as drug paraphernalia.

As part of his sentence, Lybrand may not use, possess or grow either recreational or medicinal marijuana during his supervision. He also must complete drug evaluation and treatment, perform 80 hours of community service work and write a letter of apology to his mother.

Primus said that Lybrand will also forfeit the cash that was seized, totaling $7,590.05 and has to pay a compensatory fine of $3,000 to BENT. In addition, as a convicted felon he is no longer allowed to possess firearms.

In exchange for the guilty plea, the state dismissed the remaining counts and is dismissing the forfeiture of Lybrand’s truck.