A local tea party activist who has railed against government spending found himself behind bars Thursday, charged with trafficking in a controlled substance John "J.R." Roth, 60, of Cold Spring was arrested by Highland Heights Police Thursday night. Tea party activist arrested for selling opiates A local tea party activist who has railed against government spending found himself behind bars Thursday, charged with trafficking in a controlled substance John "J.R." Roth, 60, of Cold Spring was arrested by Highland Heights Police Thursday night.