News

December 14, 2010

Man: Four Loko made me steal

Alan M. Kocher of Larksville and a juvenile are accused of robbing another juvenile.

By Edward Lewis elewis@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
Edward Lewis on Facebook   |   @TLEdLewis on Twitter

KINGSTON – A man blamed his consumption of a controversial alcoholic energy drink as a reason for allegedly robbing a juvenile of $5 on a street corner, according to charges filed Monday.

Alan M. Kocher, 20, of Pace Street, Larksville, told police drinking the Four Loko alcoholic beverage contributed to the robbery and assault at North Maple Avenue and Pringle Street on Nov. 12.

Police said Kocher and a juvenile, a ninth-grader at Wyoming Valley West, robbed and assaulted the juvenile.

Kocher was arraigned Monday before District Judge Paul J. Roberts in Kingston on three counts of robbery, two counts of simple assault and a single count of theft. Kocher was released on $25,000 unsecured bail.

Phusion Projects LLC, based in Chicago, Ill., maker of Four Loko, and other manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages recently have come under fire by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which sent a warning letter to the companies on Nov. 17.

The warning letter stated that caffeine added to malt beverages is an unsafe food additive.

The letter threatened to seize products or seek a court injunction to prevent production.

In October, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board requested its more than 17,000 licensees to stop selling alcoholic energy products until the completion of the FDA investigation.

The FDA stated scientists raised concerns that caffeine can mask some of the sensory cues individuals might normally rely on to determine their level of intoxication.

The FDA said studies found consumption of beverages containing added caffeine and alcohol is associated with risky behaviors that may lead to hazardous and life-threatening situations.

According to the criminal complaint:

A juvenile told police he was walking with a friend when they were encountered by Kocher and a juvenile, who were standing with two other males just before 8 p.m. Nov. 12.

The juvenile said he was kicked and punched numerous times in the head and held out five $1 bills, which Kocher took.

Police said the boy suffered facial injuries and was treated at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Police said that Kocher admitted to his alleged role in the robbery and assault.

Kocher told police it was “a stupid thing to do,” and his drinking Four Loko before the robbery and assault contributed to his actions.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Jan. 5 before Roberts.

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