February 4, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
Mercer teen charged with selling pot at LUHS
Mercer teen charged with selling pot at LUHS
According to a police report attached to the criminal complaint, School Resource Officer William Trojan was called to the office of Dean of Students Chad Gaurke at approximately 10:30 a.m. Jan. 20 to assist with a search involving student Jacob E. Baxter. Also present in the office when Trojan arrived was Assistant Principal Justin Szews.
On the desk in the office was a small jar filled with "green leafy material, a small Thermos type bottle and box from an iPhone," the complaint states.
In his report, Trojan noted he could smell a strong odor of marijuana before entering the office.
"I closed the door behind me so the rest of the high school office would not have to smell the odor," he wrote.
After school officials and Trojan finished searching Baxter and his vehicle, a little over an ounce of marijuana was found, along with a small digital scale, several plastic baggies, a glass pipe and assorted containers, according to the police report.
In an interview, Trojan said the marijuana was not discovered during a sweep with police dogs, but declined to elaborate as to how Baxter came to the attention of police and school officials.
Trojan placed Baxter under arrest and arranged for transport to the Oneida County Jail. According to the report, he asked Baxter if other people are dealing drugs at school.
"I'm pretty sure I'm one of the only ones," Baxter replied.
Baxter made his initial appearance in Oneida County Circuit Court Jan. 21 before Branch I Judge Patrick O'Melia. He has been charged with possession with intent to deliver THC on or near a school, a felony, as well as a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Class I felonies are punishable by up to 3 1/2 years in prison along with a fine of up to $10,000. However, an enhancer for allegedly delivering/distributing on or near school premises allows for up to five more years of imprisonment upon conviction.
Baxter was released to his father's custody after he co-signed a $2,500 surety bond. As a condition of his bond, if Baxter is suspended from school he must remain in his home during school hours, stay in his house between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and follow all rules established by his father. He will be back in court Feb. 9 for an adjourned initial appearance before Branch II Judge Michael Bloom.
Jamie Taylor may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.