Burger Laced with THC Allegedly Served To 15-Year-Old, High Springs Man Arrested For Aggravated Child Abuse

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Lucian Ryan Flaitz, 29, was arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 12, and charged with aggravated child abuse and possession of a controlled substance after allegedly preparing a burger with THC oil for a 15-year-old boy. The boy was later taken to the emergency room.

A High Springs Police Department officer reported that Flaitz is an employee at Bev’s Cafe in High Springs and was cleaning up after closing the restaurant on Oct. 7. He offered to make a hamburger for the boy. He then allegedly asked if the boy wanted Rick Simpson Oil on his burger. The boy allegedly responded that he did. Rick Simpson Oil is an oil with high THC potency, sold as a treatment for chronic pain and cancer.

Video surveillance reportedly showed Flaitz walking out to his car, then coming back into the restaurant and placing the oil on the victim’s burger. Flaitz then handed the boy the burger.

Shortly after eating the burger, the victim reportedly began to feel tired and went to bed. The next morning, the victim was reportedly found in bed face down by an officer, unable to walk and turning gray. He was taken to UF Health Shands for emergency treatment. According to the arrest report, tests revealed the boy had high levels of THC in his blood. He was released from the emergency room later that evening.

Post Miranda, Flaitz reportedly admitted putting the oil on the victim’s burger.

Flaitz has been charged with aggravated child abuse and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail information is not currently available.

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