COACHELLA (CNS) - Adults who buy alcohol for minors were targeted during an undercover operation in Coachella, resulting in two arrests, sheriff's officials said today.
Riverside County sheriff's deputies on Thursday conducted a “Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation” at multiple locations in Coachella, the department said.
During the operation, a minor decoy stood outside stores where liquor is sold and made it clear to adults that those asking to have alcohol bought for them are underage, according the department. After the adults agreed, deputies closed in and arrested the men.
Mark Ford, 32, of Thousand Palms was arrested for purchasing alcohol for minors, along with possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. Dominic Rios, 56, of Coachella, was arrested for purchasing alcohol for minors.
The operation was partially funded by a grant awarded to the city of Coachella by California Alcohol Beverage Control.
The penalty for buying alcohol for minors is a minimum $1000 fine and 24 hours of community service.