Ledfords receive probation

Driver Eric Ledford has been sentenced to one-year probation and $15,000 fine by a New Jersey county judge after pleading guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance. Ledford, his father, Seldon, and three others were arrested March 31, 2006, after a raid on their stable at Showplace Farm resulted in the discovery of illegal substances, including Aranesp.

According to a press release by Harness Racing Communications (HRC), Eric Ledford’s attorney had asked for a reduction in a previous plea agreement of the one-year probation, but Judge Bette Uhrmacher turned that down, saying however she would be agreeable to reducing the term if he fully complies with probation, including keep a full-time job and no drug use.

Seldon Ledford also received a $15,000 fine and one-year probationary period for “conspiracy to possess Equipose.” Both he and Eric agreed to pay their respective fines immediately, the HRC release noted.

Ledford stable assistant Ryan Dailey plead guilty to one count of possession of illegal drugs and was fined $2,500 and sentenced to one-year probation. Dailey’s wife, Ardena, was not present in the courtroom so no sentence was imposed.

Veterinarian Dr. John Witmer was fined $10,000 and sentenced to one-year probation for failing to maintain proper records of drugs he had prescribed.

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