A Pine-Richland High School custodian was arrested Thursday for allegedly selling nicotine, THC vape cartridges and alcohol to students on school grounds.[1] Keon Ency Barrett, who the district identified as an evening custodial employee, is charged with delivery of scheduled substances, criminal use of a communication facility and two counts of corruption of minors.[1] The 23-year-old Saxonburg man was arrested by Northern Regional Police Department’s school resources officers and taken to Allegheny County Jail.[1] The evening custodian was arrested and placed on immediate administrative leave pending the outcome of the police investigation and further proceedings.[2]

One student told police he paid Barrett $20 in November to purchase two cases of Twisted Tea from Sheetz, the criminal complaint alleged.[1] A second student told police he smoked from Barrett’s THC vape pen in a cafeteria restroom during a varsity basketball game, police said.[1] That student then messaged with Barrett through Snapchat about buying a THC pen and Twisted Tea from him.[1] The unidentified student told police he gave Barrett $10 in exchange for the drugs and alcohol, which they retrieved from Barrett’s car.[1] Police said they confirmed the student’s account through Snapchat messages and security footage.[1]

According to police, at least one student reported that Barrett had sold them alcohol and another reported Barrett had sold them a THC vape.[3] Police also said that a student informed them Barrett had let them use his THC vape pen at a school basketball game.[3] The district said that student and staff safety and well-being is a priority for the district and encouraged anyone with information to contact Northern Regional police or use the Safe2Say Something reporting system.[2] Barrett’s preliminary arraignment took place Friday, and his preliminary hearing before Judge Matthew Brungo is scheduled for Feb. 26.[1] DeWick said the department’s investigation is “continuing into the extent of activity that had been going on at the school.”[1]