Cops: Auburn Lab Tech, 64, Sold Date Rape Drug

He wouldn't fit the typical profile of a campus drug dealer, but authorities say a 64-year-old chemistry lab technician at Auburn University was just that. And they say Stephen Howard wasn't just peddling weed, but a date rape drug, reports WTVM. Howard is accused of using his lab credentials to order a chemical that is converted to GHB when ingested, and he allegedly sold 20 ounces of it to an undercover federal agent and later a gallon. In all, authorities seized two to three gallons.

It's not clear whether Howard had sold any to other customers, or whether any students were victims, but an affidavit quotes him as boasting to an undercover agent that he "probably had five different girls pass out on him," reports Al.com. During the second transaction, Howard allegedly flashed a handgun. For that, he faces weapons charges along with his drug-trafficking charges. He's still got his job in the College of Engineering for now, but Auburn says it is "evaluating Mr. Howard's employment status." (More Auburn University stories.)