Reno man arrested for targeting high school students with marijuana sales

2/8/2012

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office All Threats All Crimes Unit investigated a report of an adult male targeting high school aged juveniles with marijuana sales.

The investigation led ATAC Detectives to the 1000 block of West Commercial Row in downtown Reno. ATAC Detectives set up surveillance and watched as several high school aged juveniles continuously arrived and departed from the residence.

Through the investigation, ATAC Detectives secured a search warrant and made contact with the resident identified as Mike Souza.

ATAC Detectives searched the residence and located approximately 55.58 grams of marijuana (2 ounces) that according to deputies is a street value of approximately $2,000 and several items of drug paraphernalia. Also at the residence were three juveniles (two males and one female) under the age of 17. Due to juveniles being at this residence during active drug use, ATAC Detectives notified Child Protective Services as well as their parents. Illicit drugs and paraphernalia were booked as evidence.

Souza was arrested and transported to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility, where he was booked without incident.

Souza was charged with being in possession marijuana with the intent to sell (felony), possession of marijuana (felony), maintaining a residence to sell, use or give away a controlled substance (felony), unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor), two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (misdemeanor), two counts of child endangerment (gross misdemeanor) and allowing children around controlled substances activities (felony). Souza's bail is set at $14,695. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges may be filed.

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