Medical Technician Paid By Parolees For Clean Drug Tests Gets Probation

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - A southwestern Michigan man who took money from parolees in exchange for clean urine drug tests has been sentenced.

Garrett Govain, of Benton Harbor, on Monday was placed on probation for two years for obstruction of justice, and three days in jail -- with credit for three days served -- for possession of marijuana.

Berrien County Judge Gary Bruce told Govain he could have compromised the safety of others.

"People are less likely to hurt other people and commit crimes if they're not on drugs. We were counting on you," he said. ""What if they were on heroin? What if you falsified a drug test and the guy died?"

Govain apologized, saying the parolees involved were from his neighborhood.

The 21-year-old worked as for a urine technician for prison system contractor. He was accused of taking money from parolees in exchange for reporting negative drug tests, without performing doing the tests, According to The Herald-Palladium of St. Joseph.

Govain, who was arrested in June after making a $50 deal with an undercover officer, was originally charged with two counts of obstruction of justice.

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