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.
More Than 20 Animals Up For Adoption Following Chatham County Animal Cruelty Investigation
Twenty-two chickens, two turkeys, a rabbit and a dog are available for adoption after they were seized during an animal cruelty investigation.
A Pipeline Company Says It Will Protect the Environment in North Carolina. Its Record in Tennessee Says Otherwise.
Federal records show Chatham residents’ concerns about Enbridge’s environmental performance are valid. Over the past seven months, an Enbridge subsidiary has amassed a dozen non-compliance events related to its Ridgeline Expansion Project in central Tennessee.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Rescues Raleigh Man Missing Since Monday
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office says it located a missing Raleigh man Thursday morning. Preston Scott Hill, 35, was found injured in the Haw River near Pittsboro, “in an area of difficult terrain,” according to a release. A helicopter was used to access Hill’s location, and he was then transported to UNC Hospitals in Chapel […]
Sheriff's Office Charges, Seeks Pittsboro Man and Goldston Woman over Debit Card Fraud
A pair of Chatham County residents face fraud charges after stealing a debit card from the mail and making cash withdrawals from its account.
Red Cross Declares Blood Crisis: Here's Where You Can Donate Locally
The American Red Cross is calling for immediate blood donations, declaring a national blood crisis for the second time in history.
Pittsboro Man Arrested For Domestic Violence Against Wife and Son, Killing Dog
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Pittsboro man after a domestic violence incident led to an armed standoff with police.
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 […]
›