Mentor Man Accused Of Trafficking Prescription Drugs

A Mentor man is accused of trying to illegally sell prescription drugs, including oxycodone and hydrocodone.

The incident that led to 23-year-old Michael Zusman's arrest occurred early Friday morning,.

A Mentor police officer pulled Zusman over at about 2 a.m. on Tyler Boulevard, Mentor Police Lt. Ken Zbiegien said.

The officer said Zusman was nervous. Additionally, he noticed loose panels in the car and plastic baggies on the floor so he suspected drug activity, Zbiegien said.

The policeman asked Zusman for permission to search his car and he granted it.

The officer discovered a hidden compartment underneath the arm rest on the driver-side door, Zbiegien said.

Inside the compartment was a Crown Royal bag with 90 pills of several different types, including oxycodone and hydrocone, Zbiegien said.

The policeman consequently arrested Zusman.

Michael Zusman, 23, was arraigned on two felony charges of drug trafficking and a count of possession of criminal tools Friday in Mentor Municipal Court. The "criminal tools" in this case refer specifically to Zusman's phone and car, according to court documents.

Zusman was also charged with misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia (clamps, a length of hose and a straw, according to police) and marijuana abuse.

Judge John Trebets set Zusman's bond at $30,000, which he did not post.

Zusman's next court hearing is scheduled for Nov. 1.