Man Accused Of Using, Dealing Cocaine To Juveniles: Darien PD

DARIEN, CT — A 51-year-old Darien man, who police arrested in July for allegedly selling alcohol to minors, is facing new charges, this time for allegedly providing and using cocaine with juveniles, according to Darien police.

Mark Yarish, of Cherry Street, was taken into custody Friday at 10:30 a.m. on a warrant charging him with:

• 5 counts of risk of injury to a minor
• 1 count of second-degree reckless endangerment

"The warrant comes as the result of a continuing investigation into Yarish by detectives after his arrest at the end of July by this agency," wrote Darien police in a statement. "The investigation into Mark Yarish revealed that he had introduced juveniles to narcotics. Detectives were able to determine that Yarish specifically provided and used cocaine with juveniles, as young as age 14, while in his home."

In addition to Darien police, members of the state Department of Children and Families also have been involved to ensure the juveniles' safety.

Prior to the July arrest, Yarish was allegedly under police surveillance for more than two months.

"Evidence was provided to the Darien Police that [Yarish] 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 July statement.

Yarish was held in lieu of a $100,000 court-set bond and remains in the custody of the Darien Police Department. His court date was not known.

"As this investigation remains active, no further information will be released at this time," wrote police.

Photo: Mark Yarish. Photo credit: Darien Police Department