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 Charge 2 with Murder
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested Kenneth Bass Jr. on Tuesday. He is being held under a $200,000 secured bond and is scheduled for a first court appearance in Pittsboro on July 20.**** Investigators with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office charged two men for murder on Monday afternoon and are searching for their whereabouts. A release […]
Chatham County Sheriff: Second Man Arrested for Shooting Teen
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday the arrest of a second suspect in connection to a non-fatal shooting that took place at an intersection. A release from the office said 26-year-old Wayne Lee Wilson Jr. is charged with assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a weapon into occupied property. According to investigators, Wilson […]
Chatham County Authorities Identify, Charge Suspect in Shooting
A Pittsboro man faces charges in connection to the shooting of a teenager at an intersection, according to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. A release from the office on Sunday said deputies charged 21-year-old Brian Julius Blackwell related to the non-fatal shooting of a 17-year-old on Wednesday morning. Investigators identified Blackwell on Friday April 28, […]
Chatham County Authorities Searching for Shooting Suspect
Chatham County authorities are searching for a suspect reportedly involved in a shooting over the weekend. Deputies with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported shooting on Newland Street in Siler City on Saturday, February 3. Law enforcement officials said in a release that the incident allegedly escalated to the shooting after […]
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Details 9-Hour Standoff, Officer-Involved Shooting
An involuntary commitment order led to an exchange of gunfire and extended standoff in unincorporated Chatham County on Wednesday, according to the sheriff's office.
Chatham County Sheriff Charges Chapel Hill Man with Attempted Murder After Gunfire
A personal dispute that escalated to gunfire and a vehicle collision also led to a Chapel Hill resident facing attempted murder charges.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Make Arrest After Gunfire at Residence
A Siler City man faces gun charges after shooting into a Pittsboro residence last week, according to the Chatham County Sheriff's Office.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Investigating Death Along NC 902
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a woman after she was found unconscious along a road southwest of Pittsboro.
Chatham County Authorities Ask for Help, Release Forensic Sketch of Homicide Victim in Jordan Lake
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office is turning to the public for help identifying a woman whose body was found in Jordan Lake on Tuesday — and who investigators say is likely a homicide victim. The sheriff’s office shared on Tuesday that it had pulled a human body from the lake near the Farrington Point Boat […]
Chatham County Sheriff Charges 9 Businesses for Selling Tobacco Products to Underage Buyers
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 […]
›