Otoe County Files Tampering Charge Despite Nebraska's Overdose Good Samaritan Law
Woman faces tampering charge despite Nebraska law providing some immunity for those who cooperate with authorities after an overdose has been called in
By News Channel NebraskaNEBRASKA CITY – A Nebraska City woman faces a felony charge of tampering with evidence related to an apparent heroin overdose on Oct. 4.
Police responded to a three-plex apartment on north Ninth Street, where Nebraska City Fire and Rescue was already attending to a patient.
Police Sgt. Chris Richardson told the court, in an arrest affidavit, that 31-year-old Tabitha Standley told him there had been an overdose. The patient was transported to an Omaha hospital and is reported to be in recovery.
Court records allege that Standley attempted to clean heroin out of a spoon so that the overdose victim would not get into trouble. The affidavit says the spoon was found in a sink and still tested positive for the illegal drug.
In 2017, Nebraska joined 37 other states with the passage of a Good Samaritan drug overdose immunity law.
The law says if you or a friend is experience a drug overdose and you call 911 for help and stay on the scene to cooperate with medical authorities, you are immune from drug possession and paraphernalia charges.
Otoe County Public Defender Michael Ziskey has been appointed to the case, but was not available for comment on Wednesday.