ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, August 14, 1996             TAG: 9608140061
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C3   EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: FINCASTLE 
SOURCE: MATT CHITTUM

INNKEEPER FACES DRUG SENTENCE METHAMPHETAMINE DEALT AT RESTAURANT

A Buchanan innkeeper pleaded guilty Tuesday in Botetourt County Circuit Court to one count of distributing methamphetamine out of a restaurant he operated.

Thomas David Ware, 33, proprietor of the Maple Inn on U.S. 11 just south of downtown Buchanan, remains free on bond. He faces five to 40 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine.

Commonwealth's Attorney Joel Branscom said the charge resulted from an informant's purchase of about $30 worth of crystal methamphetamine, or ``crank,'' from Ware on Oct. 12.

Ware has also pleaded guilty to a marijuana possession charge resulting from a Jan. 5 search of the restaurant by sheriff's deputies, state police and Alcoholic Beverage Control board investigators.

He will be sentenced Oct. 10.

Sheriff Reed Kelly said the Maple Inn is still open, but its ABC license has been suspended for a year because of Ware's arrest.

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