Man says he was arrested for looking young, trying to buy beer

BRASELTON, Ga. — Braselton police arrested a 22-year-old man on charges of disorderly conduct after a store refused to sell him beer.

The man, Jose Sanders, told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri that a medical condition with his pituitary gland affected his growth, causing him to appear younger. Because of that, Sanders told Viteri, he is a constant victim of discrimination.

"I think it was my appearance more than behavior," Sanders said.

He was buying beer at a Kroger store in Flower Branch on March 26 when an employee asked for his identification.

"He looked at my license and he kind of looked kind of nervous to even say something about it," Sanders said.

Police showed Viteri surveillance video from the store in which Sanders handed his license to a cashier, who then gets another employee to take a look.

Sanders said he did not tell employees about his medical condition because it was none of their business, and instead asked them to call police.

"I just said, 'You can call the police. I have no worry. My whole intention is to buy this beer,'" he said.

Braselton Assistant Police Chief Lou Solis said witnesses told officers Sanders was using profanity.

"He was very upset because he does look young and he's trying to purchase alcohol," Solis explained.
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Kroger spokesman Glynn Jenkins said in a statement: "Under state law, employees ask for proper identification. The gentleman got disorderly and upset because they asked for identification."

Sanders said he did use some profanity, but not directed toward anyone and not the way employees described.

"I was kind of frustrated, talking to myself. Sometimes I talk out loud," Sanders said.
 
He said none of this would have happened if not for his appearance.

Sanders said showing his driver's license should have been enough to stop the trouble before it started.

Solis said even with a valid ID, it is the store's right to refuse a sale. Sanders is scheduled to appear in Braselton Municipal court on April 10.

WSBTV