Friday, Apr. 09, 2010

Arrests made in alcohol purchase decoy operation

Citations issued for violation of ABC laws.

Fourteen out of 17 businesses refused to sell alcohol to minors last Friday night during a minor decoy operation.

On April 2, the Chowchilla Police Department, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Madera County Sheriff's Department teamed up to conduct a Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap Operation regarding sales of alcohol to minors.

An underage decoy was sent into businesses that sell alcohol in the city of Chowchilla and the surrounding area. The decoys were unsuccessful at 14 of the businesses due to the clerks asking the decoy for identification or asking their ages.

The decoys were able to purchase alcohol at three local establishments. The clerks, Jovanna Ledesma, 26, of Chowchilla, at Kwik Serve, Jonathan Ferguson, 22, of Chowchilla, at 76 Mini Mart and Andrea Adair, 28 of Chowchilla at Shell Mini Mart were arrested for furnishing alcohol to a minor. They were given citations and released at the scene. All three business were located in the 100 block of Robertson Boulevard.

During the Shoulder Tap Operation, Lori Desouza, 47, of Chowchilla and Christina Kjostad, 33, of Chowchilla were arrested in the 18000 block of Avenue 24 after purchasing alcohol for the decoys. Desouza and Kjostad were issued a citation and released at the scene. Desouaa was also cited for driving without a valid license.

A Shoulder Tap occurs when a decoy is placed near a business with a valid liquor license. The decoy asks customers to purchase alcohol for them due to them being underage and the clerk refusing to sell to them.

Furnishing alcohol to a minor is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and/or time in the county jail up to one year. The fine for furnishing alcohol to a minor is $3,458.

A business that sells alcohol to a minor is subjected to an administrative action from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control which can result in a fine or suspension of their alcohol license.

"Keeping minors from being able to obtain alcohol is, and will continue to be, a priority for the Chowchilla Police Department," stated Sergeant Dave Noblett. "The department commends all of the clerks and customers who refused to sell or furnish alcohol to the decoys."

Anyone who witnesses the sale of alcohol to minors is encouraged to call the Chowchilla Police Department at 665-8600.