Pair Busted For Dealing Drugs To Darien HS Students: Police

DARIEN, CT — Two suspected drug dealers were arrested by Darien police on Jan. 13 following an investigation into sales of various forms of liquid and regular marijuana to Darien High School students. The alleged drug deals were initiated through text messages and social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, but are not believed to have taken place on school grounds.

"Over the past few weeks, the Darien Police Department Detective Division and Selective Enforcement Unit developed information regarding illegal narcotics activity involving numerous Darien High School students," wrote authorities in a statement. "Officers determined specifically that two subjects were selling high potency liquid marijuana, regular marijuana, and vape pens used to smoke the liquid marijuana to Darien High School students."

Arrested on multiple narcotics charges were Norwalk resident Kason Sumpter, 19, of San Vincenzo Place, and Wilton resident Gregory Goldstein, also 19, of Church Street.

The two were apprehended at about 12:30 a.m. on the 13th after an undercover Darien police officer made arrangements to meet Sumpter buy drugs in the parking lot of Holmes Elementary School on Hoyt Street in Darien. Several officers including a K-9 Unit were positioned nearby.

"At approximately 12:25 a.m. a black SUV entered the parking lot on the south side of the school property," wrote police. "As the undercover officer approached the vehicle, he immediately recognized the front seat passenger as Sumpter. As the officer reached the vehicle, he observed that Sumpter had a plastic package in his left hand. The officer then reached to make the transaction, however the operator of the vehicle, later identified as Goldstein, began to drive off for an unknown reason. At that point numerous officers moved in and were able to take both subjects into custody without incident."

Officers seized 4.8 grams of marijuana in a plastic baggie from Sumpter, and a small quantity of marijuana in a plastic baggie from Goldstein. Additionally, police found another 13 grams of marijuana in a baggie in the vehicle with several vaping devices, and vape cartridges containing THC oil. The 2005 Chevy Trailblazer Goldstein was driving, which belongs to his father, also was impounded.

Sumpter was charged with:

• Possession of Marijuana Less Than 1/2oz.
• Possession of Controlled Substance W/In 1500’ of a School
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Attempt to Commit Sale of Marijuana

Goldstein was charged with:

• Possession of Marijuana Less Than 1/2oz.
• Possession of Controlled Substance W/In 1500’ of a School
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Conspiracy to Commit Sale of Marijuana

Sumpter was held in lieu of a $25,000 bond, and Goldstein was held in lieu of a $2,500. Both are scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Jan. 23.

Photo 1: Kason Sumpter; Photo 2: Gregory Goldstein. Photo credit: Darien Police Department