Authorities in Flagler County, Florida, have charged a local man following an alleged attempt to circumvent a court-mandated drug test, a plan that quickly unraveled.
Traffic Stop Uncovers Probation Violation
On July 14, James Shepard, 52, reportedly made his initial misstep by driving himself to provide a urine sample. A deputy intercepted Shepard as he arrived, discovering his driver's license was suspended. This infraction constituted a violation of his felony probation, which he was serving for numerous burglary and theft convictions. Consequently, Shepard was arrested on probation violation charges and transported to jail in a patrol vehicle.
The Elaborate Deception Attempt
"Driving on a suspended license represented the first offense," law enforcement officials stated. "The second offense was concealed on his person." Shepard was reportedly equipped with what the sheriff's office described as a "jerry-rigged Whizzinator." This apparatus consisted of a synthetic bladder filled with artificial urine, connected to a heating pad and an artificial penis. While specific details about the device's appearance were not disclosed, video footage from the patrol car captured the subsequent events.
After requesting his handcuffs be repositioned to the front due to a claimed shoulder injury, Shepard was observed reaching into his trousers. He eventually extracted the device, which was then discarded onto the patrol car floor.
Upon discovering the "Whizzinator," Shepard denied ownership. However, the patrol vehicle's camera footage reportedly contradicted his assertion. He now faces additional charges, including driving without a valid license, violating his probation, defrauding a drug test, and tampering with evidence.
Sheriff Criticizes Defendant's Actions
"This individual had already received an extraordinary opportunity, remaining on community control when he ought to have been incarcerated for nearly a decade," stated Sheriff Rick Staly. "Shepard had previously caused significant disruption to our home construction businesses, having stolen enough appliances to potentially stock an entire store. Yet, he was only sentenced to community control, despite his sentencing scoresheet indicating eligibility for a minimum of nine years in prison. Now, he faces a cascade of new charges after squandering a second chance to reform his life. Instead, he attempted to manipulate the system. He now belongs in prison!"
Shepard is currently being held without bond. Speculation remains as to how the situation might have unfolded differently had he arranged for alternative transportation to his court-ordered drug test, avoiding the initial traffic stop.
