In depth look at Lortab Pill controversy

In depth look at Lortab Pill controversy

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By Steven Pope

REXBURG - There are four names you need to know to understand this story. Roy Klingler, the sheriff of Madison County. His sister, Ruth Clark. Ben Harris, the probation officer. And Jack Stoddard, the brother-in-law of Ben Harris. Clark told me on the phone this morning that she gave Lortab Pills to Harris because he burned his hand. Eventually Clark realized that Harris was taking advantage of her, possibly even stealing pills from her. So she went to the Sheriff. Klinger dispatched deputies to Clark's home to setup an under cover camera, and caught Harris stealing pills from the home.

"We did verify that there was an allegation made, and when we had verification of that allegation, we turned it over immediately to the Tri County Investigation unit," said Madison County Chief Deputy Ryan Kaufman.

That's because of the double conflict of interest. Harris was a county employee, and Clark was the sister of the Sheriff. Tri County Prosecutor Penny North Shaul charged Harris with possession of a controlled substance. Since then Stoddard, the brother-in-law, has tape-recorded all parities involved.

"Are you aware that handing out a scheduled 2 narcotic is a felony?" asked Jack Stoddard, the brother-in-law to Ben Harris.

"You know what I'm aware, but are you aware I'm not the only one that did that?" retorted Ruth Clark, sister to Sheriff Roy Klinger.

Ruth Clark is a staff member here at BYU-Idaho's Student Health. And on her online Bio she claims to have 31 years of experience in the medical field.

"So you do not deny giving Mr. Harris 6 lortabs?" asked Stoddard.

"Why would I lie about it?" asked Clark.

Stoddard believes there's a cover up because there are no charges against Clark for giving prescription pills to Harris.

"We've had an individual who has been trying to contact us in reference to the Ben Harris case... He's basically represented himself as a reporter," said Kaufman.

"Okay so who are you reporting for?" asked Clark.

"We are a non-profit organization backed by litigators who seek justice where there's been injust actions taken. We're seeking possibly a civil suit against the County of Madison," said Stoddard.

Stoddard's blog can be found here: http://justice-n-round.blogspot.com/

Clark told me on the phone that Stoddard is after her job, because Harris lost his. And that she feels like the victim in the situation.

Harris will go to court on November 16th.

Tri County was contacted. Prosecution would not comment on an ongoing case.
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