OREGON CITY CIGARETTE STORE KEEPS SELLING TO TEENS.
Posted: January 24th, 2011 9:59 AM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-01/1388/41442/RE_Comitment_from_Cigarettes_Cheaper_store_owner.htm
On December 29, 2010, Oregon City Police Officers did a sting operation at the Cigarettes Cheaper Store in Oregon City; located at 19057 Beavercreek Road, in Oregon City. An underage decoy was sent in to attempt a purchase of cigarettes. The clerk sold cigarettes to the underage decoy. Tri Trinh (dob: 08-31-81) was cited for Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.
This was in response to calls from a mother whose teenage son was caught with tobacco that had been purchased at Cigarettes Cheaper. The police learned through their investigation that several other kids reportedly were purchasing tobacco from Cigarettes Cheaper--it was essentially known at the Oregon City High School that kids could buy there without their ID being checked.
On January 12, 2010, an Oregon City Police Officer caught a 16 year old boy with cigarettes. The boy told him he had purchased the cigarettes from the same Cigarettes Cheaper store. The description given by the teen of the seller fit that of Tri Trinh, who had been cited during the sting.
On January 21, 2010, the Oregon City School Resource Officer found a 17 year old teen in possession of Copenhagen on school property. The student told police he had purchased the tobacco from Cigarettes Cheaper in Oregon City. The student identified Tri Trinh as the employee who sold him tobacco in a photo lineup. The student also informed police he had purchased tobacco and alcohol at this location before. This was confirmed with the teen's father and by looking at his debit card statement. The teen's debit history showed 8 different transactions at Cigarettes Cheaper between November 1, 2010 and December 29, 2010. The teen said he had made purchases there with cash as well, including the chewing tobacco that was in his possession.
During this investigation, several other teenagers have been contacted and told police they have purchased tobacco from Cigarettes Cheaper. Most of the teens identify the two different employees who work there. One teen, age 15, said he had purchased tobacco at this store approximately 30 times and said he had never been asked for ID. Another teen made a statement that the employees must be in it for the money; alluding to the fact of how easy it was to purchase there.
The police department is in the processing of working with the City to have the business owner go before the commission regarding his business license.
I have attached an email forwarded by Mr. Trinh to an Oregon City Sergeant regarding this matter.
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