Unlawful Marijuana Sting Operation

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating an incident where school administrators allegedly used a student to purchase marijuana from another student while at school.

On February 18, 2009, a student at Porter Valley Middle School told administrators of another student attempting to sell marijuana. The administrator, in consultation with two other administrators at the school, elected to enlist the aid of a student in addressing this criminal activity.

The development of the plan and decision to enlist the aid of the student was not discussed beyond the three administrators or any law enforcement entity.  

Upon discovery of this incident by LAUSD supervision, all three administrators were reassigned at this time pending the outcome of the investigation.
 
On February 18, 2009, LAUSD Police Department personnel initially investigated the incident. On February 24th they presented their findings to the Los Angeles District Attorney for prosecution consideration for 11361 (A) Health and Safety Code, Employing a minor in a narcotics transaction, and 272 (A) (1) PC, Contributing to the delinquency of a minor.  

The Los Angeles Police Department has assumed the investigation and will be responsible for any follow-up or further investigation, including notification to the parents of the students involved as well as the source of the apparent marijuana that was brought on campus.

Persons with information regarding this investigation should contact Lieutenant Thomas Murrell, LAPD Devonshire Detectives, at 818-832-0609.  On weekends of during off-hours call the 24 hour tip line at 1-877 LAPD 24-7 (1-877-527-3247).  Those wishing to remain anonymous may use their cellular phones and text to "CRIMES" or by logging on to www.lapdonline.org and clicking on "webtips."  When using a cell phone always begin the text portion of the message with the letters LAPD.  Texting or internet tips provided in this manner are anonymous.