A man and woman who attempted to pass Epsom salt as crystal methamphetamine in Latrobe last week were sent to Westmoreland County Prison, city police said.
Austin L. Kimmick, 19, of Ligonier and Christina Kennedy, 32, of New Derry were arrested by city police on drug-related charges after attempting the fake contraband transaction just after noon Friday, as members of the county’s drug task force watched from nearby.
District Judge Denise Thiel of Ligonier ordered Kimmick held in the county prison after failing to post $15,000 bail. Kennedy was held after failing to post $10,000 bail.
Kimmick passed a small plastic bag containing Epsom salt to a confidential informant for $100 near the intersection of Ligonier and Depot streets, according to Latrobe Detective Michael Wigand.
Wigand reported the confidential informant arranged with Kennedy to purchase methamphetamine.
After the transaction was made, Kimmick and Kennedy were apprehended. Police quickly determined the substance in the bag was not methamphetamine.
“Based on my training and experience the plastic bag and substance contained within the bag was consistent with methamphetamine, but the color and texture of the substance purchased was not consistent with methamphetamine,” Wigand said in court documents.
During an interview, Kimmick said they bought the Epsom salt at a Rite Aid and packaged it like methamphetamine in order to “rip someone off for $100.”
Epsom salt is a non-controlled substance sold over the counter and should not be confused with synthetic “bathing salts” that have mind-altering ingredients, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Kimmick is charged with delivery of a counterfeit substance, criminal conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Kennedy is charged with conspiracy to sell a counterfeit substance.
Neither Kimmick or Kennedy have attorneys listed in court documents. Preliminary hearings are scheduled Monday before Mahady.
