LA QUINTA, CA — An 18-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday for distribution of marijuana to minors after a person under the age 18 in La Quinta consumed an illicit substance and was transported to a hospital, authorities said.
On Feb. 20, deputies responded to the 43400 block of Palm Royale Drive regarding a juvenile suffering a medical emergency. When they arrived, deputies discovered the minor had purchased and consumed an illicit substance that contributed to the medical emergency. The juvenile was later transported to a local hospital in stable condition, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
During the investigation, deputies identified Albert Gamez of Temecula as the person who was selling various illicit substances, targeting juveniles throughout the Coachella Valley, authorities said.
On Tuesday, deputies located Gamez near Golf Center Parkway and Highway 111 in Indio where he was taken into custody without incident. Gamez was arrested and booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center for furnishing marijuana to a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and willful harm to a child, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
On Thursday, Gamez was being held at John J. Benoit Detention Center. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday at Larson Justice Center in Indio, according to jail records.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, and no additional information was immediately available.
Anyone with information related to the case or similar incidents can contact Deputy Olivares at the Thermal Sheriff's Station at 760-863–8990.
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