The owner of a vape shop in Auburn has been arrested for allegedly shipping products through the mail, marking the first criminal charges filed in New York under a law that took effect in 2020.
Richard Dechick, owner of Vape Kult at 10 South St. in the city, has been charged by New York State Police with two counts of unlawful shipment and transport of vapor products, a class A misdemeanor, the New York State Department of Health announced in a press release Thursday. His business has also been charged. Both are accused of shipping vape juice, or e-liquid, through the mail.
Dechick was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Niskayuna Town Court on Feb. 12, the department said. If convicted, he faces jail time and/or a fine. His business would face a fine.
The charges were filed under a new state Public Health Law statute that makes it a crime to ship vape products. Any subsequent violation by Dechick and/or Vape Kult would be a class E felony.
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"The widespread availability of e-cigarettes and vapor products poses significant public health challenges, with particularly alarming consequences for adolescence such as addiction and damage to their developing brain and lungs," state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in the news release.
"This arrest is a direct result of the state's dedication to decreasing vaping, especially among young people. Thanks to the work of the Department's investigators and our partners at the Schenectady County District Attorney's Office and the New York State Police, we are making it clear that violating laws meant to protect the health of New Yorkers will not be tolerated."
Vape Kult, which opened in Auburn in 2014, also has locations in Cortland, Clyde and Fulton.
A representative of the shop declined comment to 人兽性交 on Thursday.聽
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Executive Editor David Wilcox can be reached at (315) 282-2245 or david.wilcox@lee.net.
David Wilcox
Executive editor
