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.

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