Bradenton cop says 'society' is victim of man who says he sells marijuana to high school students

BRADENTON -- An 18-year-old man arrested on charges of possessing a large amount of marijuana told police that he sold it to his friends and students at Manatee High School, according to the Bradenton Police Department.

On a report of the arrest, an officer listed "society" as the victim of the crime.

Officers responded to calls of a disturbance in the 900 block of 14th Street West at 6:07 p.m. Wednesday and found a vehicle with the windows rolled down that smelled strongly of "freshly burned marijuana," according to an arrest report. Officers saw a bag of what looked like pot in plain view inside the car.

Officers also found a scale in the glove box and several plastic sandwich bags tucked in the driver's side door.

Michael Wiles, who was one of the involved parties in the original disturbance call, was also the listed owner of the vehicle. He told officers he was "worried about what items were found in the vehicle." He and a friend were arrested and taken to the Bradenton Police Department station for processing.

While there, Wiles told police that he was not a student and did not have a job but he and his friend had been selling marijuana and had been for about a year. He said they sell to friends and students at Manatee High School, who they contact by messaging them. The friend's full name was not published in the report.

The total weight of marijuana found in the vehicle was 38.7 grams. Police also found a grinder, roaches, a box of sandwich bags and trays, which are all consistent with selling pot.

Wiles was charged with possession with intent to sell marijuana and was released from the Manatee County jail Wednesday on bonds totaling $3,000.

This story was originally published February 26, 2016 at 9:39 AM with the headline "Bradenton cop says 'society' is victim of man who says he sells marijuana to high school students ."