Las Cruces teenagers punished after marijuana incident at Sierra Middle School

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - Multiple Las Cruces teenagers are facing charges after the discovery of marijuana on campus triggered a shelter-in-place at Sierra Middle School on Friday.

That morning, police say they learned a 13-year-old girl stole marijuana from her grandmother, who uses it for medical purposes. She then reportedly gave away the substance in 5-gram bags to other students.

That 13-year-old girl was ultimately charged with three fourth-degree felony counts of distribution of marijuana, according to the Las Cruces Police Department.

The three teenage girls who received the marijuana were each charged with a misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana, according to a news release.

A 13-year-old boy at the school was also charged with the misdemeanor of possession of marijuana on Thursday, police said. Officials believe he may have received it from the 13-year-old girl.

Because all the teenagers involved in the incident are minors, the department did not release their identities.