Custodian at Pine-Richland High School accused of selling THC vape cartridges, alcohol to students

A Pine-Richland High School custodian was arrested Thursday for allegedly selling nicotine, THC vape cartridges and alcohol to students on school grounds.

Keon Ency Barrett, who the district identified as an evening custodial employee, is charged with delivery of scheduled substances, criminal use of a communication facility and two counts of corruption of minors.

The 23-year-old Saxonburg man was arrested by Northern Regional Police Department’s school resources officers and taken to Allegheny County Jail, according to Chief Bryan DeWick.

One student told police he paid Barrett $20 in November to purchase two cases of Twisted Tea from Sheetz, the criminal complaint alleged.

A second student told police he smoked from Barrett’s THC vape pen in a cafeteria restroom during a varsity basketball game, police said. That student then messaged with Barrett through Snapchat about buying a THC pen and Twisted Tea from him. The unidentified student told police he gave Barrett $10 in exchange for the drugs and alcohol, which they retrieved from Barrett’s car.

Police said they confirmed the student’s account through Snapchat messages and security footage.

Barrett’s preliminary arraignment took place Friday, and his preliminary hearing before Judge Matthew Brungo is scheduled for Feb. 26.

In a statement to families and staff, the school district said the custodian will be placed on administrative leave pending the results of police investigations.

The statement said student and staff “safety and well-being is a priority for the district,” and it encouraged anyone with information to contact Northern Regional police.

DeWick said the department’s investigation is “continuing into the extent of activity that had been going on at the school.”