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Eleven people possibly affected by consuming meth-laced coffee, suspect to appear in court

Posted: Feb 9, 2012 1:21 PM by Angela Douglas - Q2 News
Updated: Feb 9, 2012 1:21 PM

BILLINGS - A Billings man is behind bars after allegedly spiking a coffeepot with methamphetamine at a local tax prep business.

Billings Police Lieutenant Kevin Iffland says they believe eleven people were affected by the incident at Laser 1040 on Grand Avenue.

Seven employees and four customers experienced minor symptoms of methamphetamine.

Police have encouraged everyone involved to get tested and a sample of the coffee has been sent to the state crime lab, but results will take a few weeks.

Craig Benedict, 34, is the only suspect in the case.

He is facing a felony charge of distribution of dangerous drugs and a misdemeanor of partner, family member assault.

The family assault charge stems from the fact that Benedict is related to the owner of the business.

In fact, police believe Benedict was a disgruntled employee who had been let go.

Benedict is set to appear in Yellowstone County Justice Court Thursday afternoon.