UPDATE

Suspect in custody after allegedly putting meth in coffee at Laser 1040

Posted: Feb 9, 2012 7:41 AM by Q2 Staff
Updated: Feb 9, 2012 7:43 AM

BILLINGS - A former Billings tax business employee is behind bars in Yellowstone County for allegedly spiking a company coffeepot with drugs.

Billings Police say Craig Benedict, 34, is in custody at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility facing a felony charge of distribution of dangerous drugs and a misdemeanor of partner, family member assault. Police say Benedict is facing the family member assault charge because he is related to an employee at Laser 1040, a family business. It is also believed that Benedict was a disgruntled employee who was let go.

Lt. Kevin Iffland says investigators believe believe up to 25 people could be affected by the drug incident. It's believed the coffee was consumed between 8 am and 1 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.

Billings Police responded to the Laser 1040 Tax Service on Grand just before 1 pm Wednesday. Police were called to Laser 1040 for an alleged drugging after one of the company's employees received a text message telling them not to drink the coffee.

Police say if anyone is feels any strange effects, they are urged to go to a hospital emergency room immediately or call RiverStone Health to set up a test at 256-6841. You can also call Billings Police at 657-8460. Police plan on testing the blood of those affected by the incident. They will send the results to the state lab.

Q2's Amanda Venegas spoke with the Laser 1040 manager, who declined to comment about the incident. She did say the business will remain open.