Darien Man Accused Of Dealing Alcohol To Minors: Police

DARIEN, CT — A 51-year-old Darien man was arrested on Friday after police said he had been investigated "for the past several months" for allegedly selling alcohol to minors in and around Darien.

Arrested on felony charges of Providing Alcohol to Minors and Risk of Injury of a Minor was Mark Yarish, of Cherry Street.

Darien police launched the investigation after receiving reports "that a local male was providing illicit substances to minors" in the Darien area.

"Evidence was provided to the Darien Police that the individual was taking orders for alcohol via text message and phone call, procuring it at local establishments, and delivering it to teens from Darien at a substantial markup over cost," wrote police in a statement.

Members of the department conducted surveillance of Yarish over the past two months, which the department said "confirmed accusations made by complainants that Yarish was heavily involved in transactions with local youth."

In recent months, police in Darien and surrounding communities have busted up several underage drinking parties, some of which have led to arrests of parents and teens.

Darien police obtained a warrant for Yarish's arrest and took him into custody on July 21.

Yarish was held in lieu of a $40,000 bond until Sunday, July 23, when he posted it and was released, according to police. He is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on July 31.

"As the investigation into Yarish is ongoing, no further information will be released at this time," wrote police.

Photo: Mark Yarish. Photo credit: Darien Police Department