A 16-year-old Thomas Stone High School student was charged with possession with intent to distribute after more than 30 THC vaping devices, still in their retail packaging, were found in the student’s book bag, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office said Oct. 14.
School administrators learned Oct. 13 that the student had reportedly been vaping on a school bus Oct. 9, according to the Sheriff’s Office. During the investigation that followed, the bag was searched and the devices found. Another vape containing THC was found on the student.
The school resource officer charged the student with possession with intent to distribute and possession of cannabis. The Sheriff’s Office did not name the student, who is a juvenile.
In a separate case the same day, administrators at John Hanson Middle School learned that an 11-year-old student had a vape. It was recovered and tested positive for THC, the Sheriff’s Office said. The release did not say whether that student was charged.
Both students also face consequences under Charles County Public Schools’ code of student conduct.
What the charges carry
Maryland law makes it a crime to possess a controlled dangerous substance, including cannabis, with intent to distribute it (Criminal Law §5-602). For cannabis, an adult conviction carries up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
People under 21 cannot legally possess cannabis in Maryland. A small amount draws a civil citation and a fine rather than a criminal charge. Cases involving defendants younger than 18 generally go to juvenile court, where records are confidential.
The charges are allegations, and the student is presumed innocent unless found responsible.
A pattern this fall
The cases are the latest in a run of THC vape seizures at Charles County schools. The Chronicle reported THC vapes at four more schools on Oct. 11, including Thomas Stone, after three schools in mid-September and four student citations in early September.
The Sheriff’s Office urged parents and guardians to talk with their children about the risks of unregulated vaping and THC products, which it said may contain harmful substances or misleading labels.
Anyone with information about drug distribution can contact Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or charlescountycrimesolvers.com, with rewards of up to $1,000.
