Drug Dealers Arrested On Claremont High School Student Tip, Police Say

CLAREMONT, CA — High school students gave a tip to Claremont cops that resulted in a recent drug bust, police said.

"In response to a tip of a subject selling drugs to high school students, Claremont Police Officers and members of the AB 109 conducted follow up," Claremont Police Officer Lieutenant Mike Cizek said.

On June 13, at approximately 3:30 p.m. a traffic stop was conducted in the area of Orange Grove Ave and La Verne Ave in Pomona on a vehicle occupied by two subjects suspected of being involved.

"The driver, Juan Rios, 36-years-old, from Pomona was arrested for driving with a suspended driver’s license and for outstanding arrest warrants," Cizek said. "The passenger, Eric Culverson, 27-years-old, from Pomona, was on active felony probation and was not in custody due to a four year suspended sentence on prior drug convictions."

Although Culverson was out on active felony probation, his conditions did not require that he be monitored by Probation Officers.

"He was required to check in at a Kiosk where probationers can check in automatically," Cizek said. "During the traffic stop, Culverson was in possession of illegal pills and in violation of his probation terms."

A probation search was conducted at Culverson’s residence and large quantities of Ecstasy (Molly), Xanax, marijuana, and currency were located.

"It is believed that the pills were targeted for sales to High School aged children," Cizek said. "Culverson was arrested for possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics for sale, and for violating his probation terms."

Both subjects were booked at the Claremont Police Department Jail. Rios is being held in lieu of $40,000 bail and Culverson is being held on a “No Bail” probation hold. They are expected to appear at Pomona Superior Court on Thursday, June 15, 2017.

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