Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Anton Prado PHOTO
Pennsylvania

Man was jailed for a month after police mistook soap for cocaine

The man had to pay thousands in court costs and missed Thanksgiving with his toddler.

A NEW YORK man who spent 29 days in jail after Pennsylvania state police mistook homemade soap for cocaine has filed a lawsuit.

The Allentown Morning Call reports Alexander Bernstein says he had to pay thousands of dollars in court costs and missed Thanksgiving with his toddler before the charges were dropped.

He’s seeking damages exceeding $150,000.

State troopers and the field test manufacturer are named in the suit, filed last week.

Bernstein was a passenger in a Mercedes-Benz police pulled over for speeding near Allentown in November 2013.

Troopers smelled marijuana, searched the car and found packages the driver said was homemade soap, but tested as cocaine.

Lab tests later showed it was soap.

The driver was charged with marijuana possession and speeding.

State police declined to comment.

Read: Lads’ mags Zoo and FHM to suspend publication

Read: Is your area getting a new school? Here’s the full list

Author
Associated Foreign Press
Your Voice
Readers Comments
15
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.