Ridgway man facing charges for supplying alcohol, drugs to minors

A Ridgway man is facing numerous charges after reportedly supplying alcohol and drugs to a minor victim and friends of the victim during a series of incidents dating back to mid-2023.

John Bernard Kline, 33, of 30 E. Cardott St., Ridgway, is facing charges in relation to the incidents, according to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge James L. Martin in Johnsonburg.

On Feb. 26 at approximately 4 p.m., an officer with the Ridgway Police Department received a ChildLine report which stated that Kline buys nicotine vapes and weed to give to a minor victim and other coworkers.

On Feb. 27 at approximately 4:11 p.m., the officer interviewed the minor victim along with the victim’s mother. The victim indicated that on Aug. 13, 2023, Kline provided the victim with marijuana near the “black bridge,” which is reportedly located on Tanner Street in Ridgway. The victim also provided text messages between the victim and Kline confirming the victim’s statements.

The victim also stated that Kline had let the victim smoke his THC vaporizer, which is commonly known as a “cart,” while at work. Both the victim and Kline were reportedly employed at the same business in Ridgway.

Text messages between the victim and Kline confirmed the statements made by the victim.

The victim turned over to the Ridgway Police Department a THC vaporizer, which the victim stated was provided by Kline on Sept. 16, 2023. The vaporizer was later sent, via certified mail, to the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Forensic Services in Erie for analysis. The lab report on March 25, 2024 stated that the cartridge contained tetrahydrocannabinol, total THC concentration greater than 0.3 percent by weight (Schedule I).

The victim also provided text messages between the victim and Kline that indicated Kline provided the victim with a THC vaporizer on Oct. 18, 2023. The victim stated that they requested Kline give the vaporizer to a friend of the victim, which Kline did. That individual was later interviewed by the officer and confirmed that they picked up the vaporizer from Kline and later gave it to the victim.

The victim reported that approximately one week prior to Nov. 18, 2023, Kline purchased them two cans of Smirnoff Ice (malt liquor), which were discovered in the victim’s dresser drawer by the victim’s mother on Nov. 18, 2023. The malt liquor was purchased at Fuel On in Ridgway Borough.

The victim’s mother confirmed that she found the cans of Smirnoff Ice in the victim’s dresser.

The victim reported that Kline purchased them a 20-pack of Twisted Tea, a malt beverage, at Fuel On, on Nov. 18, 2023 upon the victim’s request. The victim stated that they were having a sleepover, so the victim and several friends rode with Kline to Fuel On, where Kline purchased the malt beverage and then turned it over to the victim.

The victim also reported that Kline had been providing them with nicotine vaporizers approximately one time a month since June 2023. The victim was found to be in possession of a nicotine vaporizer on Feb. 25, 2024 at Ridgway High School. The victim stated that the vape they were found to be in possession of was provided to them by Kline.

The victim was 15 years old when Kline was providing them with nicotine vaporizers, marijuana, THC vaporizers, and alcohol. Kline was reportedly selling to or purchasing these items for the victim.

The officer interviewed one of the victim’s friends, who confirmed they were present when Kline purchased Twisted Tea for the victim. That individual stated that they were 17 years old at the time of the incident on Nov. 18, 2023, and that prior to going to Fuel On, Kline provided them and a 16-year-old with THC edibles, which they both consumed.

The officer also interviewed the 16-year-old, who confirmed they were present when Kline purchased the Twisted Tea on Nov. 18, 2023 and that Kline had provided them and the 17-yearold with THC edibles.

When interviewed, Kline reportedly made incriminating statements.

Another individual who was reportedly present when Kline purchased the Twisted Tea on Nov. 18, 2023 was also interviewed and confirmed statements made by the victim and the 17-year-old and 16-year-old.

On March 19, an individual with the Ridgway Area Middle School/ High School turned over to officers the nicotine vaporizer confiscated from the victim on Feb. 25.

Preliminary arraignment for Kline was held on April 9 at 11:30 a.m. before Judge Martin.

Kline is facing one ungraded felony charge of manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; 17 first-degree misdemeanor charges of corruption of minors; and nine summary charges of sale of tobacco.

Bail for Kline was set at $15,000 monetary. Unable to post bail, Kline was incarcerated at Elk County Prison.

A preliminary hearing for Kline is scheduled to be held at 9 a.m. on April 17 before Judge Martin.