2 cited by Merced police in alcohol sting

Merced police on Tuesday announced results from an undercover sting operation targeting adults who purchase alcohol for minors.

Two Merced residents were cited during the “Operation Shoulder-Tap” sting, which was conducted Thursday at five Merced businesses, police said in a news release.

Police reported citing Kathleen Thomas, 52, and Anthony Lara, 35.

Lara was subsequently booked into the Merced County Jail on four warrants. He remained in custody for four days and was released Monday, according to booking records. Details on Lara’s warrants were unavailable Tuesday.

Officers sent underage residents to five businesses – Bernie’s Liquor on G Street, Village Liquors on G Street, Merced Liquor on East Main Street, ARCO on G Street and 7/Eleven on East Olive Avenue. The minors stood outside the businesses and asked adults entering the stores to purchase alcohol for them.

Officers supervised the minors during the operation, police said.

Funding for this program was provided by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Along with four officers from the Merced Police Department, two ABC agents assisted with the operation.

This story was originally published January 20, 2015 at 2:12 PM with the headline "2 cited by Merced police in alcohol sting."