VISTA : Drug Stings Net Arrests at Schools

An undercover drug investigation at two high schools in Vista resulted in the arrest of more than 19 people Wednesday morning, including the student body president of a continuation school, the Sheriff’s Department reported.

Two residences were also served with search warrants, and the adult occupants arrested.

William Gaines, 19, of Vista was arrested on suspicion of selling marijuana to students. Also arrested were Stacey Sieber, 21, and John Barrera, 21, of Oceanside, both on suspicion of selling and cultivating marijuana and of possessing controlled substances.

The student body president of Alta Vista High School was one of two people arrested on suspicion of selling marijuana, the Sheriff’s Department said. He was identified as Randy Perez, 18. He was sent to the County Jail in Vista along with Alexander Cruz, also 18.

The others arrested are juveniles and were sent to Juvenile Hall. A baby found at the Oceanside residence was turned over to Child Protective Services, a Sheriff’s Department official said.

The sweep culminated a six-month undercover investigation by the Sheriff’s Department at the invitation of the Vista Unified High School District, Lt. Linda Fulton said.