A chemistry graduate student has been charged with four felonies.Photo:Getty
Getty
A chemistry graduate research assistant at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is facing four felony charges after police allege he made methamphetamine on campus with an intent to sell it.
Smalling had been a graduate research assistant at SIUE since August 2021 and was in his second year of SIUE’s master program in chemistry, according to hisLinkedInprofile.
Smalling came on police’s radar when an SIUE professor noticed suspicious materials in the Science West building on campus during Thanksgiving break,Fox 2 NewsandThe Edwardsville Intelligencerreport, citing a probable cause affidavit. SIUE police began investigating and tracking Smalling after learning he and the professor who reported the disturbance were the only two people who accessed that building during the break, Fox 2 reports.
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Science West building at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.Google Maps
Google Maps
According to theNational Institute of Drug Abuse(NIDA), meth is commonly made with pseudoephedrine, which is an ingredient found in over-the-counter cold medications. In 2005, Congress passed the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, which requires businesses to log pseudoephedrine purchases and limit the amount a person can purchase, per NIDA.
Smalling was blocked from purchasing the medication 45 times, Fox 2 reports, citing the probable cause affidavit, but authorities allege he was also making pseudoephedrine purchases in other Illinois cities.
After searching his vehicle, authorities allegedly found 12 grams of meth,The Intelligencerreports, and a search of his apartment allegedly revealed additional items used to make meth, including acetone, beakers, a hot plate and more.
SIUE and the attorney listed for Smalling did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. Smalling is due in court Friday morning for a preliminary hearing.
source: people.com
