On May 3, 2017, Harris County, Texas Sheriff’s officers arrested 30-year-old Alejandro Garibay after they confiscated what they suspected were Alprazolam pills, an anti-anxiety medication commonly known as Xanax that requires a prescription. On May 5, Garibay pled guilty in Harris County Criminal District Court to a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to six days in the Harris County Jail.
On May 24, 2017, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences tested the pills and identified them as Etizolam, an over the counter sleep aid.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office conviction integrity unit was informed of the test result, and they in turn informed Garibay’s defense attorney. On June 17, 2017, the prosecution joined in a defense motion to vacate the conviction. The motion was granted and the prosecution dismissed the charge.
– Maurice Possley
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