FORT PIERCE - The St. Lucie County Drug Lab does not tolerate anyone trying to beat the system. A Fort Pierce man was charged with a misdemeanor Friday after he allegedly tried to pass off someone else's urine as his own.

According to the affidavit, during a routine drug screening at the St Lucie County Drug Screening Lab, Lab Tech Tim Clonan discovered a device and hose strapped to the man's body.

Brandon Cox, 31, of Fort Pierce, was charged with Fraudulent Practice Regarding Urine Testing, Florida Statutes §817.565, which is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Allegedly, a urine sample was taken from the device when it was used by Cox and then he was given a chance to submit his own urine sample thereafter. Both samples were run through the lab's chemical analyzer.

Some drug screens given at the St. Lucie County Lab are observed screens, meaning that a lab tech of the same gender must actually observe the person as he or she submits to the drug screen. The reason for this becomes obvious when the lab techs catch people trying to cheat using devices.

Cox was arrested on Oct. 16 and released the same day on $5,000 bond.

The St. Lucie County Drug Screening Lab is open to businesses and the general public, as well as those participating in court-ordered drug screenings. The lab staff is available to help local business establish a drug-free workplace policy and providing testing for employees.

The St. Lucie County Drug Screening Lab is located in Suite 228 on the second floor of the St. Lucie County Courthouse, 218 South 2 nd Street, Fort Pierce. The lab operates Monday - Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. For more information call the Drug Screen Lab Manager Allison Duffy at (772) 462-6739.

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