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Local business owner accused of impersonating cop to keep potential competitor out of town

By Howard B. Owens

A local business owner has been charged with two Class A misdemeanors after allegedly making a phone call to a property owner on Ellicott Street and impersonating a law enforcement officer in an attempt to intimidate her from renting the property to a potential competitor.

Jason Lang, 28, is charged with criminal personation, 2nd, and aggravated harassment, 2nd.

Sgt. Ron Lobur said Lang turned himself in to State Police, was cooperative and was released on an appearance ticket.

According to Lobur, Lang allegedly called a property owner and left a phone message saying he was a State Police "detective" and warned her that a business she may be renting to has a reputation for selling synthetic marijuana and bath salts.  He allegedly warned her that she might not want to rent to this business.

Lobur noted that the State Police do not employ detectives. Rather, their detective work is done by investigators.

Lang, a Liberty Street resident, owns The Laughing Buddha on Ellicott Street and has admitted in the past to selling synthetic marijuana.

Mark Brudz

"Local business owner accused of impersonating cop to keep potential competitor out of town"

Jason, this incident isn't about selling fake pot, it might be closer to coercion

Jun 1, 2012, 3:55pm Permalink
robin neyman

He impersonated a law enforcement officer!!! I'm thinking that's not legal is it? Maybe he'll try to impersonate a judge next!!! This has absolutely NOTHING to do with selling legal products!!!!

Jun 1, 2012, 8:55pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

Frank this has absolutely nothing to do with what he sells, he not only impersonated an officer of the law, he did so with the intent to financially gain by doing so.

There is nothing that can be said about this except that it is criminal and rightfully so

Jun 1, 2012, 9:01pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

A couple of these comments are borderline personal attacks. I deleted one that did include name calling. Stick to the issues, not the person.

Jun 1, 2012, 9:10pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

I'm not arguing whether or not he broke the law, my posts were, and are about the right to sell legal products,
whether it is alcohol, cold medicine, or synthetic horse crap.
I was compelled to answer Robins post as I felt it was a "see I told you so" type post. I don't defend criminal activity.
If it isn't about what he sells, please explain all the above references to what he sells. or smokes. 3
out of 7 posts mentioned something to do with the product, so don't sit there and tell me its not about the product.

Jun 2, 2012, 8:27am Permalink

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