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Local Bengals/Reds 'beard guy' arrested on drug trafficking charges in Warren County

PD said he bought 5 lbs of pot from undercover cop
Posted at 11:37 AM, Nov 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-24 10:14:13-05

LEBANON, Ohio -- You've probably seen Garey Faulkner's iconic beard jazzed up for a Reds or Bengals game in Cincinnati.

But his beard wasn't bright red or orange in his mug shot taken Sunday at the Warren County jail.

Faulkner is charged with trafficking drugs and drug abuse in Warren County. He's free on $10,000 bond.

Faulkner posted this message on his Facebook page Wednesday:

According to the Warren County Drug Task Force, Faulkner bought five pounds of marijuana from an undercover cop for $2,000 per pound. The sale took place at Schappacher Park in Deerfield Township.

"He believed this marijuana was coming in from out of state," said Maj. Steve Arrasmith. "There is always a market for those looking for higher-end marijuana."

WCPO profiled Faulkner a year ago and found out his long beard was the result of a $1,000 bet that he couldn't last a year without shaving. “I would’ve taken the same bet for $1,” Faulkner said.

He's been asked to appear at fundraisers and benefits. He also worked on James Franco's movie "The Long Home" and "The Outsiders," a TV show.

In September, he won first place at the National Beard and Moustache Championships in Nashville.