The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office revealed Friday its efforts to run a sting operation to limit the sales of nicotine vape and tobacco-related products to underage buyers, sharing several businesses that were found to have violated the law.

A release from the office said throughout August, Chatham County investigators visited 29 stores to observe any purchases or possession of tobacco-related items by juveniles. Of that group, nine broke state and federal law:

  • Petro Mart in Chapel Hill
  • Jordan Dam Mini Mart in Moncure
  • Pittsboro Food Mart in Pittsboro
  • P’s Vape Escape in Pittsboro
  • R&R Tobacco and Vape 4 in Siler City
  • Rite Stop in Siler City
  • Love 2 Vape in Siler City
  • Park n Shop in Siler City
  • Sunhouse Petroleum LLC in Siler City

Chatham County’s Sheriff’s Office has charged seven people related to the sting, each of them facing one misdemeanor count of selling tobacco products to a minor. They are: Rosalinda Arellano Avila, Lashinda Racquel Leak, Christopher Valdivia Serrano, Jessica Noemi Diaz, Ana Huezo, Charles William Roy Newton, and Jacqueline Estrada.

Friday’s release said additional charges are expected to be made in the ongoing investigation.

The effort partially coincided with the start of the new K-12 school year, according to Sheriff Mike Roberson.

“While it is heartening to see that a majority of stores are adhering to the law and not selling to minors, we cannot overlook the fact that nine outlets failed this critical test,” Roberson wrote in the alert. “We will continue to work to ensure that every retailer understands the gravity of their role in safeguarding our young people and that our collective commitment to their protection remains strong.”

The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said it encourages anyone with pertinent information related to this investigation to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 919-542-2811.

 

Photo via Renz Macorol.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

 

Related Stories
‹
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Busts 2 Smoke Shops for Items Over THC Limits
After testing THC-A products purchased at two businesses, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office announced charges against the operators.
Chatham County Sheriff: Pittsboro Man Facing Multiple Counts of Felony Identity Theft, Fraud
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has obtained warrants charging a Pittsboro man with multiple counts of identity theft and fraud. Aaron Luis Perez, 34, of 534 Deer Run is charged with 21 counts of felony financial card fraud, 20 counts of felony identity theft and two counts of misdemeanor possession of stolen goods. The sheriff’s […]
A New Enbridge Pipeline Spurs Opposition in Central North Carolina
In late April, Enbridge announced its plans to build a new 28-mile natural gas pipeline through Chatham County, from Siler City to Moncure.
Chatham County Sheriff: Body Found After Search for Armed 18-Year-Old
UPDATE: At 12:18 p.m., the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said law enforcement officers located a body in a wooded area behind a residence on Henry’s Ridge Road in Pittsboro in connection with the March 31 incident. The Chatham County Medical Examiner’s Office has been called to the scene, and authorities say there is no ongoing […]
The Filing Period For 2026 Elections is Over. Who’s Running in Chatham County?
The filing period for races in North Carolina began on Monday. Here's who has declared intentions to run in Chatham County so far.
Chatham County Reports Positive Rabies Case After Fox Bites Resident
A resident suffered a bite from a fox on Tuesday — with the animal later testing positive for rabies, according to Chatham County officials.
On the Porch: Rebecca Dickenson - Leading the Chatham Chamber of Commerce
This Week: Rebecca Dickenson is President & CEO of The Chatham Chamber, where she is leading a bold new chapter focused on business growth, regional collaboration, and strategic advocacy. With a strong background in chamber leadership and a track record of building high-impact partnerships, Rebecca works to connect local businesses with the opportunities, resources, and relationships they need to succeed. A UNC-Chapel Hill graduate and lifelong North Carolinian, she brings a values-driven, results-oriented approach to advancing Chatham County’s role in the Triangle’s dynamic economic landscape.
Body of Missing Fisherman Recovered on Friday, Says Chatham County Sheriff's Office
After searching Thursday evening and early Friday morning, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office said first responders recovered the body of a drowned fisherman just south of Jordan Lake.
CORA Set To Take Over Siler City Food Pantry Despite Federal Funding Cuts
As Chatham County continues to grow, CORA is looking to increase its food services. But threats to federal funding may hinder those goals.
Chatham County Awarded $350,000 Energy Efficiency Grant
Chatham County has been awarded a $350,000 grant through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, the county government announced Wednesday. The grant was administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s State Energy Office using federal funding. Chatham County’s project was one of nine across the state selected for funding. “The funding […]
›