Three people were cited Saturday in Twentynine Palms, accused of purchasing alcohol for minors. During a shoulder-tap sting operation, minor decoys from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Explorer Post, under the supervision of Sheriff deputies, visited liquor stores and retail establishments that sell alcohol in Twentynine Palms between noon and 8 p.m. The decoys asked 36 people at eight different locations to buy booze for them. The operation resulted in the arrest and citation of Steve Rickman, 59, and Anthony McClain, 35, both of Twentynine Palms; and Rene Minero, 63, of San Bernardino, on suspicion of furnishing alcohol to a minor. The Sheriff’s Department performed the sting operation after tips and complaints from residents about intoxicated minors in the city of Twentynine Palms. If you suspect a minor is trying to get an adult to buy alcohol for him or her, call the Sheriff’s Department at 760-365-2364.
