DeKALB | Ten complaints were issued to sales clerks at area stores that sold cigarettes to a minor operating as an agent working for the DeKalb Police Department.

Between 5 and 8 p.m. Friday, DeKalb police conducted a series of tobacco compliance checks throughout the city.

The sales clerks who sold to the minor were issued the complaints and later released. While two out of the 10 clerks did ask for ID prior to the sale, the ID used still did not document the minor to be of legal age to purchase tobacco.

“We run [compliance checks] periodically at the discretion of the officer who runs [the checks],” said DeKalb Police Lieutenant Jim Kayes. “[They’re] run probably two to three times a year at least.”

Arrests are made if the minor, who uses their own ID, enters the store and is sold tobacco.

“I think we give them an incentive,” Kayes said. “Their licence to sell tobacco is in jeopardy.”

While the latest operation only issued 10 mini-complaints, Kayes said the police department tries to hit all the stores that sell tobacco within the year.