Screen capture of Castanet.net drug buy sting operation showing Kelly Hayes.
by Dave Preston
A Castanet Media reporter who videotaped his own drug buying sting operation will not face the long arm of the law.
Kelly Hayes will not be charged with purchasing marijuana from a dealer last week, according to Kelowna RCMP.
“After consultation with Crown counsel, it has been determined that no charges will be recommended against the local media reporter who purchased marijuana as part of an investigative report,” said Cnst. Kris Clark.
“He now fully understands that he had no legal authority to possess a controlled substance, regardless of his intentions, and that future actions may result in criminal charges,” said Clark.
Hayes reported last week that a Kelowna tenant became tired of raucus behavior and suspected drug dealing in an upstairs rental unit.
Anna Stein apparently rents the basement suite of a home from the City of Kelowna and tried several avenues to have the matter dealt with.
Hayes went undercover, posing as a drug buyer, and according to a hidden camera he had with him, was able to purchase a bag of marijuana.
On Wednesday, RCMP raided the upstairs rental suite, just hours after Castanet.net published the video.
A report from Castanet.net and the sting video can be seen here.
- Excited
- Informed
- Amused
- Bored
- Sad
- Angry
