BEDFORD — A Mitchell juvenile was taken into custody on Tuesday afternoon after authorities say he attempted to use a toothpick container to falsify a court-ordered drug test. The incident occurred at the Lawrence County Probation Department, where the youth reportedly offered an unusual explanation for his actions.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer Sarah Haluda, officers were dispatched to the probation office at approximately 4:00 p.m. on December 16th. Probation officers reported that a 15-year-old male juvenile from Mitchell had attempted to use a small toothpick container filled with what appeared to be urine to cheat a mandatory screening.
During the encounter, the probation officer noted that the juvenile attempted to conceal the container twice after being confronted by staff.
When questioned by officials about why he had brought the device, the juvenile claimed he was concerned his drug screen would return a “dirty” or positive result. He allegedly attributed this potential result to his diet, telling officers that he believed his system might be contaminated after eating “marijuana seeds or seasoning” on a bagel.
The male juvenile now faces several preliminary charges of juvenile delinquency, including fraud for the urine screen, possession of a synthetic adulterant and obstruction.
The youth was initially transported to the Bedford Police Department. He was later picked up by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department and transported to the Dickinson Juvenile Detention Center for housing.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
