Hollister couple and two teen sons accused of selling drugs to kids

A Hollister couple and their two teenage sons are accused of selling drugs to students at local schools.

Police say Sandra Lozoya, her husband Trini Hernandez, their 18-year-old son Christopher Lozoya and another son who is a minor were selling drugs to students. Where they were gave them easy access. Police say where the suspects lie but them right between Rancho San Justo Middle School and San Benito High School.

It started out when more kids were showing up to school high or with drugs. School Resource Officer Michael Paddy began investigating and narrowed to a particular house.

“They were able to find marijuana,” said Hollister Capt. Carlos Reynoso. “Packaging materials and scales. It was out in the open.”

All four family members face drug charges. The parents were also arrested for contributing to the deliquency of a minor. Their home, which police say was filthy, had illegal construction and wiring. It’s been red tagged until repairs are made. Several gravely ill cats were also recovered from the home.

“Drugs are a concern in all school communities in all communities right now,” said San Benito High School Principal Todd Dearden.

That’s why San Benito High School has several programs aimed at keeping kids clean. There’s a drug diversion program for kids who have been busted with drugs in the past. Recently, the school held its “Every 15 Minutes” event, where a mock crash and trial was held for the students.

“It was very emotional and it was an important event that really caught the attention of our students,” Dearden said.

So much so, there weren’t any incidents involving drugs or alcohol after prom. Rancho San Justo Middle School has two anti-drug programs. “GREAT” works to keep kids out of gangs and off drugs and the “Wonder Wolves” sniff out drugs while serving as a positive presence on campus.

Officer Paddy also serves as a positive presence on campus. His close relationship with students helped crack the case.

“I think a lot of that has to do with the contact with the kids and the trust that they have in him now,” Capt. Reynoso said.

A community effort that’s proving to work.

“He (Officer Paddy) would be the first one to point out he couldn’t have done it by himself,” Capt. Reynoso said. “It’s a team effort. It’s the kids, the teachers the parents, everyone working together.”