Charleston, South Carolina – Charleston police prosecuted two West Ashley market employees on Tuesday after they allegedly sold tobacco to minors.
The two employees, Hussein S. Abdelmoteleb and Zeyad Abdelmoaty Elsheimy, work for Saints Market, which is located at 976 Orleans Road, according to Charleston Police.
The inquiry began after the government received reports that the company was marketing tobacco goods to minors.
Abdelmoteleb, 65, faces third-degree charges of illegally selling tobacco to children.
Elsheimy, 40, faces two counts of illicit tobacco selling to minors and one count of contributing to a minor’s delinquency.
The government had previously investigated Saints Market in 2022 for selling alcohol to minors, and the store’s alcohol license was canceled.
“Businesses that repeatedly sell alcohol or tobacco to minors endanger the community. These items are regulated by laws in order to protect young people from harmful chemicals and keep those who profit from ignoring them accountable. The Charleston Police Department will continue to respond when businesses put children’s health and safety at risk. “Anyone with information about businesses selling alcohol, tobacco, vape, or THC products to minors can submit tips online at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips,” Charleston Police Department stated in a release.
