Two Local Men Face Drug Charges
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Updated: 2:59 PM Mar 28, 2008
Two Local Men Face Drug Charges
Harrisonburg, Va.
Harrisonburg and Virginia State Police have charged two employees of the Obaugh Auto Group with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.
Posted: 6:19 PM Mar 27, 2008
Reporter: Michael Hyland
Email Address: mhyland@whsv.com
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Harrisonburg Police have arrested two men who work at a local car dealership on felony drug charges.

Officials say one of the men exchanged the use of cars at the Charlie Obaugh Auto Group to various people for crack cocaine.

Harrisonburg and Virginia State Police showed up at the dealership Wednesday morning to arrest Jason Sapp, the general manager.

Harrisonburg police say they took a second man, sales manager Garth Shrader, into custody Thursday, following several car-for-drug transactions dating back to last December.

In a news release, Agent Tom Murphy with the R.U.S.H. Drug Task Force says the charges include: conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, possession of crack cocaine, obstruction of justice, and intimidating a witness.

Police say that Shrader allowed people to temporarily use dealership cars in exchange for drugs.

When one of those vehicles was damaged, police say, "Shrader placed the vehicle back onto the lot without notifying anyone about the damages."

Police also say Shrader paid someone $300 to give false information to the police and their insurance company about the damaged car earlier this month.

In addition to the drug charges, Shrader is also charged with attempting to obtain money by false pretenses, embezzlement, solicitation to obtain money by false pretenses, unlawful use of dealer license plates, and allowing an unlicensed person to operate a motor vehicle.

During the undercover investigation, police say, "These transactions would typically take place on weekends and occurred on numerous occasions since December of 2007."

Eric Obaugh, Vice President of Charlie Obaugh Auto Group, says this incident is unlike anything he's ever seen.

"Not once have we had, since we've opened our store in Harrisonburg, have we had anything pop up like this, nor in the 30 years we've been down in Staunton," says Obaugh. "It's just devastating. It just really caught us off guard."

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