Additional Charges for Methamphetamine Distribution from Acquaintance
Already Sentenced to 2 Years 6 Months in First Trial for Methamphetamine Use
"Mentally Devastated by Obsession with Jujeonja-ri"
Former professional baseball player and national team member Oh Jae-won appeared at the pre-arrest detention hearing (warrant review) held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu on March 21. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Former professional baseball player Oh Jae-won (39), who was sentenced to prison in the first trial for habitual drug use, is facing a prosecution request for a 4-month prison sentence on additional charges of methamphetamine possession. Oh's side reportedly claimed in the final statement that he was mentally exhausted due to the obsession with maintaining his position as a regular player during his career.
According to Yonhap News on the 10th, the prosecution requested the court to sentence Oh to 4 months in prison at the sentencing trial for the stimulant drug charge under the Narcotics Control Act, presided over by Judge Yoo Dong-gyun of the 24th Criminal Division at the Seoul Central District Court. Oh was indicted in May for receiving about 0.2g of methamphetamine from an acquaintance, Lee, in November last year.
Oh's lawyer stated, "The defendant took sleeping pills due to insomnia caused by the obsession with maintaining his position as a regular player during his professional baseball career and was mentally exhausted due to his mother's illness." He added, "He deeply reflects on his wrongful actions and will humbly accept any punishment."
He also appealed, "Please consider whether harsh punishment for drug offenders is the solution to all problems, or if treatment is needed to reduce recidivism."
On the day, Oh bowed his head in the final statement, saying, "I will never touch drugs that harm society again," and apologized, "I am truly sorry for causing trouble."
The sentencing trial for the additional charges is scheduled for 10 a.m. on the 24th.
Meanwhile, Oh is currently serving a 2-year and 6-month prison sentence for threatening an acquaintance who tried to report his drug use in July. The second trial will begin on the 30th.
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