Indian Hills teen admits trafficking in Ecstasy

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A 16-year-old Indian Hills resident who admitted Monday he sold more than 30 grams of Ecstasy to undercover officers must remain in detention pending disposition of the charges.

Derek Peterson said he sold 12 grams and 19 grams of Ecstasy on two occasions.

District Judge Michael Gibbons said if Peterson were convicted as an adult, he would be facing up to 15 years in prison because of the amount.

Gibbons set disposition for May 21 for Peterson and two other teenagers who were involved in the transactions.

Gibbons denied a request to release Peterson on house arrest even though his father said he was retired and could supervise his son 24 hours.

The boy's father said he was concerned that his son was falling behind in his school work.

Probation officer John Enos said there was a Douglas County School District teacher at the detention center who supervised student work.

"I would ask that he stay in detention based on the seriousness of the charges," Enos said.

Lawyer Matthew Ence asked that Peterson be exempt from physical exercises at the detention center that involved use of his client's arm because he has 19 screws and four plates in his forearm.

Gibbons ordered Peterson exempt from physical activity until he is cleared by a doctor.

The three juveniles were arrested at the conclusion of a two-month investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Street Enforcement Team.