Clarkston teens charged with felonies in fart spray incident

ASOTIN - Two Clarkston teens are facing felony charges in Asotin County Superior Court for allegedly unleashing flatulence spray at school.

The prank caused a stink at Clarkston High School and reportedly sent a girl to the emergency room.

Caleb Z. Baker, 15, and Nathan E. Roberts, 16, are now charged with second-degree assault, a Class B felony, and disturbing school activities, a misdemeanor. If convicted, the maximum penalty for the assault is confinement until the age of 21.

The boys appeared in court Monday afternoon before Judge Scott D. Gallina. Public defender Vic Bottomly was appointed to represent Baker, and attorney John Fay was appointed to represent Roberts. Deputy Prosecutor Robert Lehman, who is out of the office this week, is handling the case on behalf of the state.

Asotin County Prosecutor Ben Nichols said the felony assault charges were filed because a high school girl was allegedly harmed during the March 3 incident.

"When what starts as a prank ends with someone going to the hospital, we have to treat it seriously," Nichols said.

According to court documents, School Resource Officer John Morbeck saw the girl and her father in front of the school on the day of the alleged incident. They told the Clarkston officer she was having breathing problems after some kids sprayed something in a classroom, which was soon followed by Febreze room freshener.

Roberts reportedly had a similar spray with him last year and was told not to bring anything like it to school again, according to court records.

After Assistant Principal Dan Lejameyer allegedly discovered a bottle labeled "Liquid Ass" butt-crack smell, in Roberts' possession, he took the boy home and told him he was suspended, according to the report. He also transported Baker to his residence.

The girl was treated at Tri-State Memorial Hospital for anxiety and hyperventilation. She told police she almost passed out after she started having breathing trouble, and her parents indicated they will be seeking restitution for the emergency room bill.

According to court documents, Roberts told the police officer he sprayed the flatulence smell in the library and DECA classroom. Baker allegedly participated in the prank.

A student teacher asked kids to get some room freshener from a janitor after a stench wafted through the classroom. She also advised students to leave the room, according to court documents.

In his report, Morbeck said Baker did not appear concerned about possible charges and asked for the spray back. It was not returned and remains in evidence.

After the report was given to the prosecutor's office, Lehman filed the charges March 31 and a court date was set. Monday's hearing was brief and the cases were continued to a future date.

The teenagers will be arraigned and enter a plea May 2.

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Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264. Follow her on Twitter @newsfromkerri.