Ah yes, our tax dollars at work. :roll:
News
Full Story from The Associated Press
12/28/2005 05:12:27 EST Photos on Cell Phone Lead to Drug Arrests
Six teenagers were arrested on drug charges after a parent flipping through a cell phone found a text message and photo advertising a pound of marijuana for sale, police said.
Police said teens in Farmington would call teens in Shrewsbury, Mass., to arrange to buy drugs. The Massachusetts teens then allegedly used cell phones to take pictures of their merchandise and send them to Connecticut.
"They had a lot of proprietary enthusiasm," Sgt. Daniel Devine told The Herald of New Britain. "They would e-mail a picture of the drugs and a message to kids in town on their cell phone, and then the kids in Farmington would send the photo and message to all their friends to notify them of the upcoming sale."
A parent found one of the advertisements on a child's cell phone and called police. They obtained warrants to monitor additional calls and narrow down locations where the sale could take place, Devine said.
The teen whose parent found the advertisement was not involved in the sale and had simply received a text message about it, Devine said.
On Friday night, Farmington police stopped a car and arrested six teens. Devine said police found and seized less than a pound of marijuana, several hundred dollars, drug paraphernalia and cell phones.
Police charged three 15-year-olds from Farmington with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. A 15-year-old from Massachusetts was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell.
Their names were not released because they are juveniles. They were released into the custody of their parents and will be referred to juvenile authorities.
Police charged Errin Parsons, 18, of Shrewsbury with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released on $1,000 bond and scheduled to appear Jan. 4 in Hartford Superior Court.
Zachary Brady, 16, of Shrewsbury was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell and conspiracy. He was released on $10,000 bond and is due back in court Jan. 3.
Devine said police believe Brady has ties to Farmington. Shrewsbury is just northeast of Worcester, Mass.
"These were affluent kids who were selling drugs to other affluent kids," Devine said. "They weren't trying to make a profit to support themselves or their family; they were doing it for fun."
