Security Busts 13-Year-Old for Marijuana Possession at Chesterfield Mall

A 13-year-old boy could be facing charges of misdemeanor drug possession after security at Chesterfield Mall discovered he had marijuana.

Police said the incident occurred on March 2 at around 7 p.m. when a mall security guard checked a group of kids that included the 13-year-old suspect. He found what was described as a “small amount” of pot and notified the juvenile’s parents.

It was not immediately clear what prompted mall security to stop the kids. Chesterfield Police Officer Mike Ryffel said that unlike an official law enforcement officer, security guards are considered private citizens and do not need a reason or probable cause to stop and question someone.

“There are some limitations, but they are not bound by the Fourth Amendment like we are,” Ryffel said, referencing the constitutional amendment that guards against unreasonable searches and seizures. 

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