Irrigon man arrested for theft also faces drug-test fraud charge
By Terry Murry on Friday, July 12th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – Hermiston police responded to a report of a robbery at a local business Wednesday morning. An employee reported several people had tied him to a chair and taken money. Police investigated and HPD said that a few hours later, the employee admitted he stole the money and filed a false report.
Nicholas J. Lepinski, 45, of Irrigon was arrested on charges of first-degree theft of over $1,000 in cash and filing a false report. However, his legal troubles didn’t stop there.
“During the course of transporting Lepinski to the police department for interviews a bottle of either urine or synthetic urine was found on his person,” Police Chief Jason Edmiston said. “Based on statements he made about the bottle the charge of falsifying drug test results applied.”
Oregon Statute 475.918 states that the crime is committed if the person intentionally uses or possesses with the intent to use, any substance or device designed to falsify the results of a drug test of the person. It is a Class B misdemeanor.
As always, HPD reminds people that suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Photo of the seized bottle via the Hermiston Police Department
