Man Who Sold Lookalike Substance Faces Charges
By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews
PIERCETON — A man who allegedly sold a lookalike substance rather than actual methamphetamine is still facing criminal charges.
Michael Paul Carpenter, 43, with addresses on file as both 208 E. Second St., North Manchester, and 3104 E. Wooster Road, Pierceton, is charged with dealing in a lookalike substance, a level 6 felony.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, in December 2019, NET43 Drug Task Force arranged to purchase methamphetamine from Carpenter.
A confidential informant provided Carpenter with documented task force funds in exchange for in excess of 3 grams of methamphetamine.
The controlled purchase was captured by digital surveillance. The substance purchased tested negative for methamphetamine.
The informant contacted Carpenter, who told the informant that the substance was fake. Carpenter said his whole bag was fake and that he did not realize this until after he sold it to the informant.
Carpenter was booked at the Kosciusko Jail June 18 on a $10,250 surety and cash bond.