Police Conduct Tobacco Sting

A tobacco sting by the Wills Point Police Department resulted in four citations written at three locations.

Working with the state comptroller’s office Wills Point sent minors into seven stores on Friday afternoon to purchase tobacco products. The minors were able to make purchases at the Tiger Mart and Mitchell Oil Co. on Highway 80, and two separate purchases at the Shell Station at the intersection of Highway 64 and Highway 80.

There were six different minors used, ranging in age from 13-16, and according to officer Nicole (Griffin), the 13-year old was one of the minors able to make a purchase.

"These kids were not made up or dressed to look older than they are," Griffin said after the sting, adding that Jackie Myers of the state comptrollers office out of Tyler was on hand to provide guidance for the operation.

Four clerks were written citations and will receive the maximum fine of $500. The comptroller’s office will fine storeowners.

The need for the sting came from Griffin’s duties as the resource officer for Wills Point ISD.

"I was writing a lot of tickets for minor in possession of tobacco at the high school," Griffin said. "I think it was quite an increase from the previous year. We also received a lot of complaints from parents."

Griffin, who was assisted by officer Kelly Patrick in the sting, also provides tobacco education programs and products at Wills Point schools through the state’s STEP program (Statewide Tobacco Education Program).

Chief of police Scott Johnson said these types of operations would be ongoing.

"With the arrival of alcohol sales, there will be a zero tolerance for sale to minors, or to anyone that opens a container in the parking lot," Johnson said. "A good rule is, don’t open it until you get home.

"We’re going to be aggressive in enforcing all ordinances regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol and tobacco."