3 days ago
L.A. probation officer charged in drug smuggling operation at juvenile hall
A 59-year-old Los Angeles County deputy probation officer has been arrested and charged in connection with accusations he was smuggling controlled substances into a juvenile detention facility, officials announced this week.
In a news release, prosecutors at the L.A. County District Attorney's Office said Michael Solis conspired with a minor detained at Barry J. Nord Juvenile Hall in Sylmar to sell alprazolam, the generic version of the benzodiazepine known as Xanax, in 2023.
The 59-year-old was assigned to the Sylmar facility as a probation officer and, according to investigators, smuggled the highly addictive controlled substance into the building between May and August of that year.
The detained juvenile would then reportedly sell the pills, prosecutors said.
Benzodiazepines, drugs like Xanax, Valium, Klonopin and Ativan, are typically prescribed seizure, insomnia and anxiety disorders because the drug's effects on the central nervous system, slowing it down and inducing feelings of relaxation and sedation.
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The drug is generally prescribed for short term usage because of the likelihood of physical and mental dependence and addiction.
'Trafficking illegal drugs to juveniles is unconscionable under any circumstances, let alone as a government employee taking advantage of vulnerable youth in need of guidance and support,' District Attorney Hochman said. 'Probation officers have as their primary duty the protection, health and safety of juveniles under their care. My office will not tolerate such an abuse of power, which endangers youth, undermines rehabilitation, and makes our communities less safe.'
Solis has been charged with:
One felony count of conspiracy to possess and sell alprazolam
One felony count of conspiracy to bring a controlled substance into juvenile hall
One felony count of possession of for sale of a designated controlled substance
One felony count of bringing a controlled substance into juvenile hall
If convicted as charged, the 59-year-old faces a maximum of three years in state prison.
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