A Sonoma man is facing a felony after Rohnert Park police say he showed up to sell a marijuana vape pen to a 12-year-old who had been contacted on Snapchat. The child’s mother stepped in during the alleged handoff, snapped photos of the suspect and his car, and those images helped investigators track him down in Sonoma, where he was booked on a felony count, according to local officials.
According to the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, the call about the attempted sale came in last Wednesday. A patrol officer used law enforcement databases along with the Flock automated license plate reader system to identify the suspect as 21-year-old Orlando Robledo of Sonoma. Police say Robledo was found later that day in the 200 block of Petaluma Avenue and booked into Sonoma County Jail on Health and Safety Code section 11361(a), which covers felony sale of marijuana to a minor under 14.
As reported by KRON4, Robledo allegedly used Snapchat to arrange the meet-up with the 12-year-old. When he arrived at the home, the juvenile’s mother intervened and stopped the deal, photographing his face and vehicle as he left. Investigators later leaned on those images as part of their effort to identify the suspect.
How police say they tracked him down
According to the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, detectives cross-checked the mother’s photos with law enforcement databases and then used the Flock ALPR system to trace the vehicle’s movements, sharing that information with partner agencies. A Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputy eventually found the vehicle in Sonoma, and officers took Robledo into custody without further incident. Officials have not released information about any evidence recovered at the time of arrest.
Legal consequences
California law treats selling cannabis to a young child as a serious felony. Under California Health and Safety Code section 11361, as published by Justia, it is illegal for an adult to sell or provide cannabis to a minor under 14, and the statute allows for potential state prison time. Prosecutors will decide whether to file formal charges based on the booking, which lists 11361(a) as the alleged violation.
Why it matters
Public health officials and police have long warned that social media apps and discreet vape devices make it easier for kids to get their hands on cannabis products. Federal surveys show e-cigarette and vape use is still a significant issue among middle and high school students, and regulators continue to stress that legal cannabis markets are meant for adults only. For background, see the National Youth Tobacco Survey from the CDC and guidance from the California Department of Cannabis Control.
Rohnert Park DPS says the investigation is ongoing and is asking anyone with information to contact the department. This story will be updated if prosecutors file charges or if the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office releases additional details.
