Report: Man attempts passing off ibuprofen
A Hopkins County Sheriff ’s deputy reported that Evan Chapin, a 29-year-old Commerce man, “unknowingly contacted Sheriff [Lewis] Tatum in an attempt to sell narcotics.” Tatum then reportedly agreed to meet the man to purchase hydrocodone pills at $5 per pill at State Highway 11 west and FM 275.
According to the report, the man “maintained communication, advising what vehicle they were driving [1996 Ford F-150] and corresponded they were going the speed limit.” Once all parties were arrived, deputies
Once all parties were arrived, deputies initiated a felony takedown of two suspects, the report read, and during a search of the truck, the deputy alleged “a black and white plastic bundle was observed” in the passenger floorboard. “By touch, the package was immediately identified to contain pills,” the report read. The deputy further alleged the package contained “what appeared to be over-the-counter medication believed to be ibuprofen.” The two in custody reportedly stat
The two in custody reportedly stated they would speak with investigators, during which conversation Chapin allegedly admitted that he knew he was attempting to pass off the ibuprofen, “false narcotics,” as hydrocodone for profit. The driver, 42-year-old Stephen Anthony Braumuller of Commerce, had allegedly agreed to give Chapin a ride to the reported arranged meeting place “in exchange for a share of the profit.” Chapin and Braumuller were arrest
Chapin and Braumuller were arrested at almost midnight Sunday on one charge each of manufacture or delivery of a simulated narcotic. Braumuller was reportedly found to have also three active Dallas County warrants for possession of a controlled substance, less than a gram, and parole violations for fraudulent use or possession of identifying items and manufacture or delivery of more than 4 but less than 200 grams of narcotics. Chapin’s bond was set at $5,000.