Auburn lab technician arrested for selling 'date rape' drug

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Federal prosecutors say an Auburn University lab technician has been charged with selling a gallon of the "date rape" drug GHB.

Authorities arrested 64-year-old Stephen Howard at his home in Auburn on Friday.

U.S. Attorney George Beck said Howard sold the chemical to an uncover agent this month. Officials say the drug can be sold for $10 per ounce.

If convicted, Howard faces up to 20 years in prison for distribution of a controlled substance and 32 years on charges of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

Court documents describe Howard as an employee in the university's poly-fiber engineering department.

An Auburn University spokesman said the school is evaluating Howard's employment status.

An attorney for Howard, Donnie Bethel, was not immediately available for comment.

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