News

July 17, 2008

Man accused of selling soap as crack cocaine

JEN MARCKINI jmarckini@timesleader.com

WILKES-BARRE – A 38-year-old man who police say tried making a couple of bucks by selling soap as crack cocaine waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Central Court on Monday.

Paul Lawson, Jr., of 70 Davis Place, Wilkes-Barre, formerly of Philadelphia, was charged last month with intentional possession of a controlled substance – namely soap in lieu of crack cocaine – with intent to deliver, according to Luzerne County Clerk of Court records.

According to an affidavit of probable cause:

Wilkes-Barre Police Officer Chris Hardy was on patrol in the area of Academy Street and Davis Place on June 13. Police had already received several complaints regarding a male named Paul, described as wearing a powder blue North Carolina hat, white T-shirt and jean shorts, who was selling fake crack cocaine in the same area.

Hardy spotted Lawson, who matched the description of the male wearing the same exact hat and clothing, loitering near South Franklin Street.

The officer was involved in an encounter with Lawson, police said.

Hardy asked Lawson why he had the soap. According to police, Lawson replied, “It’s like crack. Selling to make a couple of bucks.” When Hardy told him he was putting himself at risk for such behavior, Lawson agreed and said, “A lot of people ain’t happy with me selling soap.”

The substance in question was tested, according to police, and reported a negative result for crack cocaine.

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