Russell Grant, 31, was arrested on April 23rd, 2008 for allegedly selling clean urine samples to parolees and people on probation. He is being charged with bribery and attempting to influence a public official.
Grant was employed at the Williams Street Center, a drug-rehabilitation center which has a contract with the Colorado Department of Corrections. An investigation was launched approximately one year ago by the Office of Inspector General in Colorado after they received a complaint that someone was selling clean urine samples. The samples were sold to people on probation or parole who were required to undergo urinalysis screening.
Grant sold a clean urine sample to an undercover police officer posing as a parolee. He received $180.
Williams Street Center is owned and operated by Community Education Centers Inc., which is based out of New Jersey. Our staff attempted to contact Bill Palatucci, senior vice president of Community Education Centers, by phone and email, but received no response. Mr. Palatucci was quoted in the Rocky Mountain News as stating that background checks are conducted on all employees, even Grant. However, a quick search at the Denver County Courts website showed that Grant had a 2004 misdemeanor conviction for disturbing the peace.
Grant was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on May 24th, 2008.
