Magazine salesman charged with obstruction

By J. Miles Layton
Times West Virginian

FAIRMONT May 07, 2009 02:22 am

— After receiving numerous complaints about aggressive door-to-door salesmen attempting to sell magazines, police arrested a man who was charged with obstructing an officer.
Police said one of the salesmen, Tyson Victor Hard, 18, of Marysville, Wa., was arrested Sunday and charged with obstructing an officer (for giving false information), a misdemeanor. According to the criminal complaint, Hard provided a false date of birth when he was being questioned by police on Sunday.
Police said Hard had a warrant out for his arrest in Taylor County for false pretense — a misdemeanor — because he said he was a student and was collecting money for school projects such as Stop the Violence. Police said Hard is not a student.
“Citizens should exercise good judgment when someone comes to your door trying to sell something,” said Police Chief Mark Hayes.
Hard’s bond was set at $500, and he was taken to North Central Regional Jail. He released Wednesday after posting bond.
Police said Tyson had not received a city permit needed to sell magazines. A background check is completed on each of the applicants, police said, and an actual permit is issued for the salesperson to take door to door. The organization that the person is selling for should be licensed and have the appropriate identification with them.
Police said many people in diverse places such as Shinnston, Grafton, Elkins and Bridgeport have been approached by solicitors attempting to sell magazines. The Police Chief’s office advised anyone who may have purchased one of these magazines and feels they have been defrauded to contact their local law enforcement agencies.
The case will be heard by Marion County Magistrate Hank Middlemas at some point in the near future.
E-mail J. Miles Layton at mlayton@timeswv.com.