A Costa Mesa man has been arrested following a two-month police investigation involving the sale of "pot brownies," brownies laced with marijuana, to underage students across Orange County.
The 33-year-old man was arrested after Costa Mesa police searched his vehicle, storage room, and motel room. According to investigators, the search revealed 50 pounds of marijuana, brownie and cake mix, business cards, scales, and other equipment.
Law enforcement first became involved last April when students reported feeling nauseous and ill after eating brownies that another student had shared with them. The incidents occurred at Pomona Elementary and Tewinkle Intermediate and one student at each school were arrested in connection with the reports.
The current investigation began in mid-January of this year when similar reports occurred at Newport Harbor High. Police discovered the students had purchased marijuana-laced brownies and Pop-Tarts from an adult male who went by the name of "Clever," who was handing out business cards with a contact number and encouraging other students to spread the word.
The police identified the man and obtained a search warrant for his vehicle, storage facility, and motel room, whereupon they reported discovering marijuana and supplies that indicated involvement in creating and selling marijuana-laced baked goods. The man faces a number of drug charges: possession for sale of marijuana, sales of a controlled substance to a minor, child endangerment and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He is being held at the Orange County jail with bail set at $500,000.
Drug charges can range in severity, depending on the type of alleged act. The man in the case discussed above has found himself in an extremely serious situation. Not only is he facing charges for "possession for sale," which is more serious than possession for personal use, but he is also accused of selling marijuana to minors. Drug charges involving minors carry harsher consequences than those involving adults, and the alleged sale of drugs on or near school property also escalates potential penalties.
It is important to remember, that as a suspect or arrestee, you have the right to legal counsel. You also have the right to remain silent. You do not have to submit to questioning and may find it in your best interests to exercise these rights. After an arrest for an alleged drug offense, anything you say or do can be used against you. Request an attorney and remain silent to protect yourself from saying or doing anything that could be misconstrued as a confession of guilt.
Early involvement of a skilled criminal defense attorney is crucial in the face of drug charges. Whether your case involves simple possession or more serious possession for sale charges, your entire future may be at stake. You may face fines, jail time and a permanent criminal record. Any conviction now could influence future charges and penalties. At the Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we understand just how important an immediate and aggressive defense is when facing drug-related allegations. We focus exclusively on criminal defense and have done so for nearly two decades. Call today for a confidential consultation.
