Homeless Advocate Accused Of Dealing Drugs To Venice Homeless

VENICE, CA — A self-proclaimed homeless advocate has been arrested on suspicion of dealing drugs to the local Venice homeless population in close proximity to the Venice Bridge Home, authorities said Saturday.

Investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Narcotics Bureau served two search warrants Thursday at a tent near Third Avenue and Rose Street and a home in the Venice area and arrested 65-year-old Gary Featherstone on suspicion of possession of PCP for sale and possession of methamphetamine for sale.

The LASD said more than $15,000 in cash was also recovered.

Authorities said Featherstone operated a tent on Third Avenue, where he sold sodas, candy, beverages and other snacks to the local homeless population. His "Homeless Enterprise" is registered with city of Los Angeles' Finance Department.

"Investigators conducted hours of surveillance of Featherstone and saw him complete several hand-to-hand narcotics transactions," sheriff's officials said in a statement. "Featherstone masquerades as a homeless outreach advocate, while supplying homeless individuals with narcotics."

Featherstone was released later Thursday. He is due in court Monday.

City News Service