Parent, Employee Accused Of Sneaking THC Into RI Youth Detention

CRANSTON, RI — Three people were arrested in connection with an incident at the Rhode Island Training School, state police said. One was a resident of the facility, another their parent and the third an employee.

All three were arrested at 10 a.m. Monday, according to police, following an investigation into vape pens found at the facility. All residents were tested, and three tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. The investigation was started by the Department of Children, Youth and Families, which operates the facility, before it was handed over to Rhode Island State Police.

According to police, Michael Warren, 49, a juvenile program worker with DCYF, worked with the mother of a resident, Sarai Ares, 38, to bring CBD oil containing THC into the facility, in exchange for money. Warren is accused of smuggling the contraband into the facility's laundry room, where the resident could get them.

Warren, a Cranston resident, was charged with allowing prisoners to have controlled substances, conspiracy, delivery of drug paraphernalia and acceptance of a bribe as a public official, employee or agent. Ares, also of Cranston, was charged with the same first three charges, as well as bribery of a public official, employee or agent. The training school resident, an unidentified minor, was charged with delivery and possession of a controlled substance.

Warren and Ares were both arraigned at Third Division District Court and released on $10,000 personal recognizance. The minor was also arraigned at Third Division District Court and is being held at the Training School pending a future court appearance.

If found guilty, Warren and Ares could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $10,000 or both for the controlled substances charge and up to $5,000 in fines, up to two years in prison or both for the drug paraphernalia charge. The bribery charges carry penalties of $5,000 to $50,000, or three times the amount of the bribe, up to 20 years in prison or both.