UPDATE: Both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of Disorderly Conduct. 

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that employees from two different stores in the City of Lackawanna were arrested this week by members of the Lackawanna Police Department for allegedly selling vape products to minors.   

It is alleged that on February 11, 2020 and February 13, 2020, 25-year-old Nagi Mohamed sold two disposable vape pens to a minor who did not show identification at Xpress Smoke Shop on Abbott Road in the City of Lackawanna.

It is alleged that on February 11, 2020 and February 13, 2020, 20-year-old Hosam A. Alomari sold two disposable vape pens to a minor who did not show identification at Fumo Vapes on South Park Avenue in the City of Lackawanna.

Both defendants were arrested and charged with two counts of Sale of Tobacco Products to a Minor and two counts of Sale of Tobacco Products to an Individual Who Did Not Show identification, which are unclassified misdemeanors.

“As the chief law enforcement officer, it is my job to keep children in our communities safe. I am announcing the arrest of these two defendants because I want the residents of Erie County to know that my office will not tolerate the sale of any illicit substances to minors, which includes e-cigarettes and other vape products. These products contain nicotine, a highly addictive stimulant, and potentially other harmful substances. The sale of vape products to minors is not only irresponsible, it is illegal,” said Erie County DA John Flynn.

"Vaping among middle and high school students has increased alarmingly over the last few years, with an estimated 5.3 million teens using e-cigarettes across the nation," said Senator Tim Kennedy. "We cannot continue to allow these products to get into the hands of our youth. I commend the Lackawanna Police Department and Erie County DA John Flynn for prioritizing the health of our children and ensuring those who attempt to jeopardize their safety are met with consequences."

“I am relieved to announce the arrest of these two men who allegedly sold these potentially dangerous products to minors. Thank you to the Lackawanna Police Department for their work in this investigation. I hope that the prosecution of these defendants by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office will bring an end to the illegal sale of these substances to children in our community,” said City of Lackawanna Mayor Annette Iafallo.

Mohamed and Alomari were given appearance tickets to be arraigned in Lackawanna City Court on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

If convicted on all charges, both face a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail.

DA Flynn commends the Lackawanna Police Department for their work in the investigation.

Both cases will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano of the DA’s Narcotics Unit.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.