Teens Allegedly Sold Fake Drugs to Undercover Darien Police

Darien police announced Monday the arrest of three teens following an undercover operation in which the teens were allegedly involved in selling fake crack cocaine to a police officer.

According to authorities, an undercover officer met with Joshua Hurley, 18, of 261 Ely Ave in Norwalk, Jonathan Orellano, 18, of 53 Pine Hill Ave. in Stamford,  and an unidentified juvenile, 16, of Stamford, on Friday, Jan. 11 at approximately 1 p.m. based on information from a confidential informant.

The officer had made arrangements to purchase a quantity of crack cocaine at the Stamford-Darien town border from a subject known only to police as "John." According to authorities, the transaction was allegedly completed but the officer discovered the four baggies he had been sold contained only a white powdery substance and no drugs.

Police contacted "John" again via text message, who promised to make good on the transaction and arranged for the purchase of additional quantities. "John" met with officers on Sat., Jan. 12, at approximately 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Best Buy on Connecticut Ave. in Norwalk.

Three suspects, identified by police as the parties detained, approached the undercover officer's vehicle and entered, with Orellano getting into the front seat and the other two parties entering the backseat of the vehicle.

The undercover officer produced $80 in cash, at which point Orellano allegedly grabbed the cash out of the officer's hands and all three exited and attempted to flee in different directions. All three were chased down by nearby cover officers involved in the sting and placed under arrest.

Orellano allegedly told police he never had any intention of selling any narcotics to the undercover officer and said it is not uncommon for him to steal from narcotics abusers, according to police.

The juvenile in Orellano's company was allegedly found to be in possession of a small quantity of marijuana upon arrest, police said.

Orellano faces charges of misrepresentation of controlled substance, second-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny and interfering with an officer. He posted a $5,000 bond and has a scheduled court date of January 22nd.

The Stamford juvenile was charged with second-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny, possession of marijuana and interfering with an officer. He juvenile was turned over to his mother and has a scheduled juvenile court date of January 15th.

Hurley  faces charges of second-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny and interfering with an officer. He was held in lieu of $5,000 bond. He was presented in court for arraignment on January 14th.