On Oct. 28 at about 1 p.m., Santa Monica police officers assigned to the patrol the downtown area received information that a man, “Frank,” was selling marijuana and other narcotics.
Based on the description and the name, the officers believed it might be a subject known to them from prior drug sales in the area.
The officers located Frank Pangia sitting on the east side of the Santa Monica library and asked if they could speak to him. Pangia agreed, and during that conversation gave the officers permission to look through his backpack and cellphone. Inside the bag, the officers located several containers of marijuana as well as a digital scale.
Based on the scale, marijuana, and messages and information contained in the phone, the officers believed Pangia was selling marijuana.
He was placed under arrest and transported to the station for booking. He was later released on his own recognizance and a case report will be forwarded to the District Attorney for filing consideration.
Pangia, 41, homeless, was not required to post bail.
