Developing Story

New details surrounding meth-laced coffee at local tax business

Posted: Feb 10, 2012 8:24 AM by Q2 News
Updated: Feb 10, 2012 8:39 AM

BILLINGS - A man who is part owner of a Billings tax business remains in custody tonight, after he allegedly spiked the business' coffeepot with methamphetamine. As 34-year-old Craig Benedict awaits his initial appearance in justice court, Billings police are learning more.

Lt. Kevin Iffland says police believe eleven people were affected by the incident at Laser 1040 Tax on Grand Avenue.
Seven employees and four customers did experience minor symptoms from drinking the coffee.

Court documents state one employee, a recovering meth addict, said she felt similar but less intense, effects after drinking the coffee. Documents also state Benedict admitted to his ex-girlfriend he put half a gram of meth in the coffee pot.

The police report says a couple employees who drank the coffee took a home drug test and tested positive for methamphetamine.

A sample of the coffee is on its way to the state crime lab, but those results will likely take a few weeks.
Benedict faces a felony charge of distribution of dangerous drugs and a misdemeanor of partner, family member assault.