President's Message

2020 • VOLUME 44 • ISSUE 2 T XTALK TOXTALK® EDITOR PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Robert Johnson, Ph.D., F-ABFT ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dear SOFT Colleagues and Friends, travel restrictions, health concerns, Chris Heartsill, B.S., D-ABFT-FT and potential funding restrictions I hope and you and your families are due to the impact on the economy. well and healthy and adjusting to the EDITOR EMERITUS new normal as the world tries to recover • Our hotel contract required Yale Caplan, Ph.D., F-ABFT from the COVID-19 pandemic. A lot has a certain number of room SECTION EDITORS changed since I wrote my last message in reservations and a minimum spend TOXTALK the March issue of ToxTalk. Making the on food and beverage. In the event Matthew Barnhill, Ph.D., F-ABFT decision to cancel the most anticipated of not meeting these commitments, Kevin G. Shanks, M.S., D-ABFT-FT SOFT meeting,the 50th anniversary the hotel could impose heavy meeting, was one of the most difficult penalties. decisions I’ve had to make and I am • The budget impact was assessed grateful for all the help and support PRESIDENT for a meeting scenario of 50% received from the Board, Executive Sumandeep Rana, Ph.D. attendance which showed a loss BOARD OF DIRECTORS Director Beth Olson, MRC Chair Marc more than $125,000 to SOFT in LeBeau and the 2020 meeting hosts PRESIDENT ELECT addition to any hotel penalties. Amy Miles, B.S. Dani Mata and Denice Teem. While safety of the attendees was the primary B. Reschedule the meeting to a future TREASURER factor behind this decision, I want the date: Robert Sears, M.S., F-ABFT membership to be informed of the various other considerations leading to this • Due to the uncertainty surrounding SECRETARY decision. Understanding of the past is the pandemic, an appropriate Erin Spargo, Ph.D., F-ABFT important for shaping the future. Options future date for holding the explored were: meeting could not be predicted. PAST PRESIDENT The financial implications of not Dwain Fuller, B.S., F-ABFT, TC-NRCC A. Keep the meeting as scheduled: meeting the hotel contractual commitments due to the situational DIRECTORS • It was highly unlikely that California uncertainty remained. Fiona Couper, Ph.D. would enter Stage 4 of re-opening and Chris Heartsill, B.S., D-ABFT-FT allow mass gatherings of hundreds of • We have signed contracts for Philip M. Kemp, Ph.D., F-ABFT people by the September time frame. future meetings to be held in Madeline Montgomery, B.S., D-ABFT-FT 2021-2024, so replacing one of Andre Sukta, M.S.F.S. • The survey conducted to obtain these future meetings with the San Tate Yeatman, M.S., F-ABFT, F-ABC feedback indicated that we would Diego meeting without significant not have the planned number of financial penalties to SOFT (more COUNSELORS attendees due to factors including Joe Saady, Ph.D., F-ABFT than $100,000) would not be Michael L. Smith, Ph.D., F-ABFT President’s Message ...... 1-2 From the Executive Directors Desk ...... 3 Cancelled SOFT 2020 Meeting Update ...... 4-5 2021 Slate of Officers ...... 6-7 2020 ERA Donors ...... 7-8 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Alexander Oscar Gettler - An Appreciation ...... 9-11 Beth Olson, MBA In Memoriam - Donald B. Hoffman, Ph.D., F-ABFT ...... 11 OPERATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER 2020 ERA & YSMA Winners ...... 12-13 CC Watson Young Forensic Toxicologists (YFT) ...... 14 SOFT OFFICE The Emergence of Eutylone in Victims of Sexual Assault ...... 15-17 1955 W. Baseline Rd., Ste 113-442 AAFS Meeting Update and Call for Volunteers ...... 18-19 Mesa, AZ 85202 New Psychoactive Substances ...... 20-22 STAFF INSIDE THIS ISSUE Oral Fluid Webinar ...... 22 480-839-9106 Code of Conduct Policy ...... 23 [email protected] JAT Address Update ...... 23 PAGE 1 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONTINUED possible. learning opportunities in-between the I am looking forward to seeing you all annual meetings and for those who are virtually during SOFTember and hope you C. Cancel the meeting unable to attend. stay healthy and find creative ways to • The annual meeting profits support have some fun this summer! SOFT operational costs. The San In the coming days we will review Diego meeting was budgeted to the activities planned by the History th generate about $50,000 in revenue. Committee for the 50 anniversary Cancellation would result in a loss of meeting including the new SOFT awards the projected revenue. that were to be instituted this year and make key decisions regarding appropriate • Cancellation would create a big gap in timings and venue for those celebrations. continuing education and networking opportunities this year for our members. In my previous message I also talked about our responsibility to maintain Sumandeep Rana, Ph.D. • We could negotiate a future meeting a culture of inclusion, values and SOFT President at the San Diego hotel to mitigate professional conduct that is respectful any penalties from the 2020 meeting to all. The recent unrest in our nation, contract cancellation. following several disturbing events, D. Create virtual learning opportunities serves as a stark reminder of that responsibility for creating and maintaining • Participants could earn CE and a culture of mutual respect, inclusion, network with their peers. and equitable treatment in our personal • Exhibitors/Sponsors could interact and professional environments. In 2018, with people in the field. SOFT established the Culture, Values and Diversity Committee (CVD) to work • This could serve as an opportunity collaboratively on issues related to to earn back some of the revenue equality, diversity, and inclusion. Earlier that would be lost by not holding the this year the committee was tasked with annual in-person meeting. creating a SOFT Code of Conduct policy with the goal of setting clear expectations Shaping the Future of conduct from attendees of all SOFT sanctioned events. The Code, listed below One of the focus areas for SOFT this on page 23, was voted and unanimously year, as noted in my earlier message, approved by the board during the June is to provide members with online or 17th BOD meeting. virtual opportunities for continuing education. Cancellation of the 2020 The MRC committee finished writing the meeting pushed us out of our comfort first comprehensive Meeting Planning zones and injected the urgency to move Guide that documents the meeting forward this initiative. Every dark cloud planning process and activities. This has a silver lining! The Board has tasked will serve as an excellent tool for all Executive Director, Beth Olson to lead the future meeting hosts. The Policies and SOFTember initiative, a virtual learning Procedures (P&P) committee completed program delivered throughout the a major revision of the P&P document to month of September in lieu of the annual include all recently formed committees meeting to support the CE needs of our and processes adopted within the last members. A working task group has been few years. The Board reviewed and voted formed under her leadership and with on the final draft of the P&P manual and several of the 2020 meeting planning approved by a unanimous vote during the committee members serving. Please June 17th meeting. see her message on page 3 for further information about the group’s activities. While we are all experiencing the most Although the virtual content cannot be unprecedented times in recent history, a replacement for the social bonds and the SOFT Board continues to diligently connections we make during the in- navigate through the unknown and stays person interactions, the spontaneous committed to serving our members scientific discussions over coffee or and strengthening the organization by dinner, and the condensed and focused adopting new policies/processes and learning away from our daily distractions, improving the existing ones. it will pave the way for providing future PAGE 2 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESK Submitted by: Beth Olson, SOFT Executive Director [email protected]

The decision to cancel the SOFT 2020 SOFT’s Annual Business Meeting engage online, I also would like to Annual Meeting was a difficult one. will be held online allowing many encourage all of you to reach out Over the course of weeks, the office, more people to participate than at to others in your SOFT community the Meeting Resource Committee, our in-person meeting. Our Working to check-in and see how others are and the Board of Directors re- Group, made up of 20 SOFT mem- faring both personally and profes- searched, planned for many scenari- bers who you will hear much more sionally. It certainly brightens my os, negotiated, discussed, and debat- about in the next few months, is busy day when I receive a check in from ed our way to a unanimous decision. brainstorming, planning, and work- someone else, so I am committing to Please thank these volunteers who ing on a robust program. Please keep at least one check in per week with had the courage to make a decision an eye on your email and the SOFT a different person throughout the that no one wanted to make. website for much more information summer. I would love to see others in over the next month. our community commit to doing the While all of us, especially those of us same! who were involved in the planning We’ll also be offeringour first webi- of this meeting for the past several nar on Oral Fluid on July 22 (Register Please take care of yourselves years, are obviously disappointed, and view informationHERE ). While through these difficult times. I look change can also offer the opportuni- we’d been planning this webinar for forward to seeing you all virtually in ty for growth. Change isn’t easy and several months, it feels like the per- the coming months, and I’m counting can be uncomfortable for many. As fect time to be launching SOFT’s first the days until I see you all in Nash- we all know, it can be much easier virtual opportunity. ville next year! to stay the course than to veer in an uncharted direction. Whether we We need to focus on issues sur- crave or despise change (or any- rounding equity, diversity, and inclu- where in between!), we are faced sion. The formation of our Culture, with a time in which there is no Values and Diversity Committee is other option, when the opportunity just a first step. for getting together face-to-face is The committee created a Code of an impossibility for the time being. Conduct policy for SOFT’s meetings Since change is being forced upon us, and events that can be found on how do we leverage this opportunity page 23 of this issue. In addition, the Beth Olson, MBA to strengthen SOFT? committee is in the initial stages of SOFT Executive Director We need to meet our members exploring grant opportunities that where they are. Since we’re spread will fund initiatives to explore ways all across the country (and the in which SOFT can better address world!) this will mean expanding the these issues. We want to hear your virtual programming that we’re able thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Please to offer to provide the opportunity to feel free to share with myself, or connect with each other. Culture, Values and Diversity Com- mittee Chairs Samantha Tolliver and We’re excited to announce SOFT- Gail Cooper. ember, a month-long opportunity to earn continuing education cred- We are a community. Each one of its through workshops and topical us is a member of so many differ- scientific presentations. We’ll also ent communities – neighborhoods, be adding some new programs, such families, workplaces, friends, school. as facilitated discussion groups on We must adapt this SOFT commu- various current topics in forensic tox- nity to simultaneously ensure that icology, and open committee meet- we’re building on the long-standing ings to increase the engagement of strength of this organization while our members. In addition, the Young also improving our methods and Forensic Toxicologists Committee and practices to stay in sync with the the Professional Mentoring Program needs of our members today. Committee will both be creating While we plan to provide opportu- virtual content. And for the first time, nities for our SOFT community to PAGE 3 2020 PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PAGE 4 PAGE Dani Mata Dani Mata Liz Kiely Eucen Fu Carl Wolf YFT ChairYFT Chair Jay Vargas Jay SOFT Staff SOFT Staff CC Watson Beth Olson Beth Luke Rodda Luke Chris Vance Rusty Lewis Rusty Bill Johnson Andre Sukta Andre Sue Pearring Denice Teem Kevin Shanks Kevin Phyllis Mallet Phyllis Audio/VisualAudio/Visual Roxane Ritter Roxane Sunday Saenz Sunday Javier Velasco Javier Frank Wallace Frank Delisa Downey Delissa Downey Jennifer Limoges Jennifer Exhibitor Liaison Liaison Exhibitor Exhibitor Workshop Chairs Chairs Workshop Workshop Bruce Goldberger Vanessa Meneses Vanessa Laureen Marinetti Laureen Executive Director Executive Ann Marie Gordon Mobile Application Mobile Application Food and Beverage and Beverage Food Food Alanna de Korompay 2020 Meeting Hosts Hosts Meeting Meeting 2020 2020 Fun Run Coordinators Fun Run Coordinators JAT Special Issue Editor Special Issue Editor JAT JAT Volunteer Coordinators Coordinators Volunteer Volunteer Scientific Program Chairs Chairs Program Program Scientific Scientific Social Event Coordinators Coordinators Social Event Social Event Denice Teem Denice Teem Opening Ceremony Coordinators Coordinators Opening Ceremony Opening Ceremony Operations and Social Media Manager Operations ------Marinetti, Sue Pearring, Jen Limoges, Sue Marinetti, Alanna de Ann-Marie Gordon, Liz Kiely, Wal Frank Velasco, Javier Korompay, Var Jay Chris Vance, Sukta, lace, Andre Delisa Downey, Bruce Goldberger, gas, Fu, Eucen Meneses, Carl Wolf, Vanessa Sunday Shanks, Kevin Mallet, Phyllis and Ritter Roxane Rodda, Saenz, Luke these folks Please give Lewis. Rusty the countless of applause for a round year, your contributions are essential essential are contributions your year, We happen. making the meeting for for been there have would you know it! appreciate us, and we rec to like would we importantly, Most This planning committee. our ognize hard has been working of people group a year over well behind the scenes for day very last the up until even now, this difficult de make had to we before Bill Johnson, Laureen cancel. cision to and continue to do for the organiza do to and continue you! found to have tion. SOFT is lucky ab all the people who submitted To presen and platform posters for stracts taking the you we appreciate tations, informa those. More to prepare time coming will be forward tion on the path goes soon. Another special thank you and exhibitors, our volunteers, out to signing were you Whether sponsors. reg are part of a or time the first up for after back year who comes ular crew Continuing Education credit. Please credit. Education Continuing in the on that information look for It the SOFT Office. from coming future and CC to Beth for will be a challenge to mode meeting in-person from pivot to for us way new an entirely creating no we have but presentations, our give a few just In deliver. will they doubts the been put to have they short years, meet every and times numerous test successful. ing has been extremely done have all you both for Thank you As an alternative to the 2020 meeting meeting the 2020 to alternative As an is looking SOFT leadership in San Diego, for online opportunities providing into ------anniversary anniversary th Our program was plan was Our program

anniversary celebration celebration anniversary

of forensic toxicology. of forensic come recognized as leaders in the field as leaders recognized come how SOFT has grown in size and be in size SOFT has grown on how truly inspiring to reflect reflect It has been truly inspiring to ing answers to families and loved ones. and loved families to ing answers public health, traffic safety and provid and safety public health, traffic members of this organization are vital to vital are of this organization members research and services provided by by and services provided research 1,500 toxicologists worldwide. The worldwide. 1,500 toxicologists into an organization of approximately of approximately an organization into space gas chromatography has grown has grown chromatography space gas in a hotel room to troubleshoot head troubleshoot to room in a hotel started as a few toxicologists gathered gathered toxicologists as a few started mitment, strength and growth. What What and growth. strength mitment, rare occasion of a half-century of com of a half-century occasion rare is often called “golden” to signify the “golden” called is often where we are today. A 50 today. are we where past SOFT leadership that brought us to us to brought that SOFT leadership past roots of the organization, along with the the organization, of roots ning to recognize and remember the and remember recognize ning to know as SOFT. know of the first gathering of what we now we now of what gathering of the first special 50 The 2020 meeting was going to be a going was The 2020 meeting President’s Banquet? Banquet? President’s how packed the dance floor gets at the gets the dance floor packed how each other hugs! And have you seen you each other hugs! And have too difficult for us to abstain from giving abstain to for us difficult too knit group of people that it would be far be far it would of people that knit group other? The SOFT family is a such close- other? The SOFT family promise to keep 6 feet apart from each apart from 6 feet keep to promise we really all gather in San Diego and in San Diego all gather really we right now. And let’s be honest…could be honest…could let’s And now. right ing of our size is not considered safe safe is not considered ing of our size at present. Unfortunately, a gather Unfortunately, present. at decision given the information we have we have the information decision given and it was without a doubt the correct the correct without a doubt and it was scrutinized by the Board of Directors, of Directors, Board by the scrutinized that the decision to cancel was heavily heavily was cancel decision to the that able to host you this year. Please know Please know this year. you host able to pletely devastated that we will not be we that devastated pletely It goes without saying; we are com are we without saying; It goes just four months before our meeting. our meeting. before months four just as your hosts, were hoping to deliver deliver hoping to were hosts, as your definitely not the ToxTalk message we, message ToxTalk the not definitely worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. This is pandemic. COVID-19 worldwide Diego has been cancelled due to the due to cancelled has been Diego reached everyone that SOFT 2020 San SOFT that everyone reached

By now, we assume that the news has the news assume that we now, By

Dear SOFT family and friends, SOFT family Dear

CANCELLED SOFT 2020 MEETING UPDATE UPDATE MEETING MEETING 2020 2020 SOFT SOFT CANCELLED CANCELLED 2020 PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PAGE 5 PAGE Dani Mata Dani Mata Liz Kiely Eucen Fu Carl Wolf YFT ChairYFT Chair Jay Vargas Jay SOFT Staff SOFT Staff CC Watson Beth Olson Beth Luke Rodda Luke Chris Vance Rusty Lewis Rusty Bill Johnson Andre Sukta Andre Sue Pearring Denice Teem Kevin Shanks Kevin Phyllis Mallet Phyllis Audio/VisualAudio/Visual Roxane Ritter Roxane Sunday Saenz Sunday Javier Velasco Javier Frank Wallace Frank Delisa Downey Delissa Downey Jennifer Limoges Jennifer Exhibitor Liaison Liaison Exhibitor Exhibitor Workshop Chairs Chairs Workshop Workshop Bruce Goldberger Vanessa Meneses Vanessa Laureen Marinetti Laureen Executive Director Executive Ann Marie Gordon Mobile Application Mobile Application Food and Beverage and Beverage Food Food Alanna de Korompay 2020 Meeting Hosts Hosts Meeting Meeting 2020 2020 Fun Run Coordinators Fun Run Coordinators JAT Special Issue Editor Special Issue Editor JAT JAT Volunteer Coordinators Coordinators Volunteer Volunteer Scientific Program Chairs Chairs Program Program Scientific Scientific Social Event Coordinators Coordinators Social Event Social Event Denice Teem Denice Teem Opening Ceremony Coordinators Coordinators Opening Ceremony Opening Ceremony Operations and Social Media Manager Operations - Meeting Hosts Meeting (Almost)

Sincerely, & Dani Mata Denice Teem SOFT 2020 working on cannot be replicated with replicated be on cannot working that all agree can We virtual learning. than its share has had more this year hope the so let’s and downs, of ups and that 2020 ends on a high note year in Nashville in safely all meet can we 2021. navigate all as we wishes to Best challenging this extremely through time. relationships that blossom from get from blossom that relationships paper author of that the to meet ting has a knack someone who or read, you are you a method troubleshooting for - - - - - hour. Sadly, there are are there Sadly, hour.

do so. The professional and personal and personal do so. The professional tion and our field that we continue to continue we tion and our field that son, but it is important to our organiza to son, but it is important different the next time we meet in per we meet time the next different Diego impossible. Things may look impossible. Things may Diego a reschedule or postponement of San or postponement a reschedule many contributing factors which make make which factors contributing many ule at the 11 ule at down on Florida forced us to resched us to on Florida forced down lier. In 2017, Hurricane Irma bearing 2017, Hurricane In lier. 9/11 terrorist attacks a few weeks ear weeks few a attacks 9/11 terrorist the meeting still happened despite the still happened despite the meeting SOFT will not meet in person. In 2001, in person. SOFT will not meet the first time since its inception that time since its inception the first planned for this historic year. It will be It will be year. this historic planned for

will not be meeting after all we had all after will not be meeting It still doesn’t seem real that we real that doesn’t seem It still

organization in this capacity. capacity. in this organization meetings. It was an honor to serve the to serve was an honor It meetings. stone in the history of the SOFT annual in the history stone to be an extremely important mile important be an extremely to us as your hosts for what was going going was what for hosts us as your thank SOFT leadership for entrusting entrusting for thank SOFT leadership Last but not least, we would like to to like would we but not least, Last have at the banquet. the banquet. at have stand and be recognized as we would would as we be recognized and stand thank you and wish we could have you you have could and wish we thank you to serve SOFT on our committee. We our committee. SOFT on serve to

professional and personal obligations, obligations, and personal professional hours they have given, on top of their of their top on given, have they hours

CANCELLED SOFT 2020 MEETING UPDATE UPDATE MEETING MEETING 2020 2020 SOFT SOFT CANCELLED CANCELLED 2021 SLATE OF OFFICERS & DIRECOTRS

The Nominating Committee’s task is Robert M. Sears is currently the Technology - Organization of Scien- to provide a slate of Officers and Di- manager of the Forensic Technology tific Action Committees Toxicology rectors to the full membership of Department for the South Carolina subcommittee. SOFT at least 30 days prior to the an- Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Robert has previously presented at nual Business Meeting. The President where he oversees the develop- local, regional and national profes- and President Elect each serve a one- ment and continued operation of sional meetings and training ses- year term, while the Secretary serves the Forensic LIMS system and asso- sions on topics related to solid phase a two-year term which expires on al- ciated software modules. Prior to extraction method development ternate years with the Treasurer. Direc- accepting his current assignment, and troubleshooting, automated tors are elected for a three-year term. Robert spent 28 years as a Foren- extractions, and other specific top- sic Toxicologist responsible for the ics related to Forensic Toxicology. The 2020 SOFT Nominating Commit- analysis of samples submitted in tee (Dwain Fuller, Chair, Sarah Kerrigan death investigation, assault, and Tate Yeatman is the Crime Labo- and Laura Liddicoat) respectfully submit driving under the influence cases ratory Director for the Palm Beach the following slate of nominations for for alcohol, drugs, and other poi- County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) Crime consideration by the SOFT membership: sons and interpretation of associat- Laboratory. Prior to promotion to EN ed findings. In his current position, Laboratory Director, Mr. Yeatman ID T E S L Robert continues to support the managed the Chemistry and Toxi- E E R C Forensic Toxicology Department at cology Units of the PBSO laboratory P T SLED by providing new employee for 13 years. He was previously em- training, assistance with method ployed by the Florida Department development and validation, and in- of Law Enforcement Crime Labora- strument maintenance and trouble tory as a Forensic Toxicologist for shooting. over 8 years. He has over 20 years of experience in forensic toxicology Early in his career, Robert was in- and has testified as an expert in Fo- volved in the development and Robert Sears, M.S., F-ABFT rensic Toxicology and Forensic Drug support of SLED’s first LIMS system South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Chemistry in over 200 DUI trials and associated reporting packages. ASU throughout Florida. He also works E RE Throughout his career, Robert has R R as a teaching assistant and instruc- T been involved in the programming, tor for the University of Florida’s implementation and support of var- Forensic Science Online Program of- ious laboratory automation systems fering Master’s degrees in Forensic including Zymark/Caliper, Bio Inte- Science, Forensic DNA & Serology, grated Solutions, Gilson and ITSP Forensic Toxicology, and Forensic robotics systems used for automat- Drug Chemistry. ed extractions of drugs and poisons from biological samples. Mr. Yeatman earned a Bachelor of Tate Yeatman, M.S., F-ABFT Science degree in Chemistry from Robert is a Fellow of the American Palm Beach Co. Sheriff’s Office the University of Central Florida Board of Forensic Toxicology (F-AB- ECTO and a Master of Science degree in IR R FT) and has been board certified D Veterinary Medical Sciences with since 1995. Robert currently serves a concentration in Forensic Toxi- as Secretary of the ABFT. Robert is cology from the University of Flori- a Fellow of the AAFS, and full mem- da. He is a Fellow of the American ber of SOFT, TIAFT, SAFS, IACT and Board of Forensic Toxicologists and the ACS. Robert currently serves as a Diplomate of the American Board a member of the AAFS Standards of Criminalistics in the discipline of Board (ASB) Toxicology Consensus drug chemistry. Mr. Yeatman is also Body and an affiliate member of the a certified technical assessor for the Madeleine Gates, Ph.D. National Institute of Standards and Sam Houston State University PAGE 6 2021 SLATE OF OFFICERS & DIRECOTRS

ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation sus Body. the past few years, she has taught Board (ANAB) in the disciplines of graduate level courses in Forensic (Swortwood) toxicology and controlled substanc- Dr. Madeleine Gates Toxicology and Instrumental Anal- is an Assistant Professor and Direc- es. ysis. She has mentored 8 Masters tor of Graduate Programs for the and 1 PhD student and continues Mr. Yeatman has co-authored nu- Department of Forensic Science at to mentor 3 doctoral and 2 Masters merous peer-reviewed papers in Sam Houston State University. She research students. Her research in- scientific journals and his work has received a Bachelor’s degree in Bio- terests include novel psychoactive been presented at national meet- chemistry from Duquesne Univer- substances, alternative matrices, in ings including the American Acade- sity and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from utero drug exposure, and oral fluid my of Forensic Scientists (AAFS) and Florida International University. drug testing. To date, she has au- the Society of Forensic Toxicologists. She began her career in forensic thored or co-authored thirty publi- In addition to SOFT, he is a member toxicology as a toxicologist at the cations and 1 upcoming book chap- of The International Association of Miami-Dade Medical Examiner Tox- ter. Forensic Toxicologists, the American icology Laboratory. Later, she com- Society of Crime Laboratory Direc- pleted a postdoctoral fellowship Dr. Gates is actively involved in SOFT tors, and a member of the Toxicol- with the National Institute on Drug and the forensic toxicology commu- ogy Section of AAFS. Mr. Yeatman Abuse (NIDA) under the mentorship nity. She is a member of the SOFT/ serves on the SOFT Board of Direc- of Dr. Marilyn Huestis. During her AAFS Drugs & Driving and Oral Flu- tors and has been appointed to nu- time at NIDA, she investigated drug id Committees as well as the SOFT merous State and National Forensic metabolism, in utero drug expo- Publications Committee. She was Science committees including ap- sure, and oral fluid cannabis testing recently appointed to the OSAC Tox- pointments to the Organization of while serving as a co-investigator in icology Subcommittee and is the Standard Area Committees (OSAC) a controlled cannabis administra- AAFS Toxicology Section Program Toxicology Subcommittee, the - Na tion study. Chair for 2020-2021. She was the re- tional Commission on Forensic Sci- cipient of the SOFT ERA in 2016. She In 2016, Dr. Gates took a ten- ence (NCFS) Human Factors Sub- chaired a SOFT Regional Workshop ure-track faculty position at Sam committee, and the AAFS Academy and a SOFT conference Workshop in Houston State University. Over Standards Board Toxicology Consen- 2019. THANK YOU TO THE 2020 ERA DONORS!

The SOFT Board of Directors would meeting and present their reserach them present their research in the like to thank the following members along with a $2,000 stipend to be future. Congratulations to our 2020 who donated to the Educational Re- used for travel expenses. award winners and thank you to our search Award (ERA) fund this year. 2020 ERA donors! Although our 2020 award winners Your generoisty helps to continue will not be able to present their re- If you would like to learn more the ERA fund that supports the fu- search at this years annual meet- about SOFT awards or make a dona- tures of our young forensic toxicol- ing, due to the cancellation of SOFT tion please visit our Awards page on gists by presenting them with an 2020, we look forward to seeing the SOFT website opportunity to travel to the annual HERE. ThankThank you!you! PAGE 7 PAGE 8 ALEXANDER OSCAR GETTLER, BS, MA, PHD - AN APPRECIATION By: Professor AW Jones, BSc, PhD, DSc Division of Drug Research, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden [email protected]

During the preparation of a series Something was clearly wrong, be- area of NY, on the lower east side of historical articles for the TIAFT cause I knew for a fact that he had of Manhattan, and despite many bulletin entitled “Profiles in Foren- published many more papers, in- financial hardships, a strong work sic Toxicology,” I considered writing cluding a bunch I had in my own ethic was developed. Like many of an essay about the life and work of collection of reprints. For example, his contemporaries, Gettler took Dr. Alexander Oscar Gettler (1883- I was familiar with his work on en- menial jobs to support his part-time 1968). I began this task by searching dogenous ethanol, brain-blood education eventually obtaining a PUBMED in order to obtain a com- distribution ratios of ethanol, the bachelor’s degree (BS) in chemistry prehensive list of Gettler’s scientific development of tolerance and the (1904). He then embarked on more publications. To my surprise, I found relationship between blood-alcohol advanced studies at Columbia Uni- only six articles listed in PUBMED concentration and intoxication, as versity and was awarded a Master’s with Gettler’s name as author or well as investigation of poisoning degree in 1909 and a PhD in 1912. co-author (see below). deaths from drinking wood alcohol. He subsequently worked as an assistant professor teaching chemistry 1. Gettler AO, Rhoads CP, Weiss S. The skimpy number of papers list- to medical students and also held A contribution to the patholo- ed in PUBMED prompted me to a part time position as a pathologi- gy of generalized argyria with a embark on a manual search of con- cal chemist at the Bellevue Hospital discussion of the fate of silver temporary journals where analytical clinical laboratories. in the human body. Am J Pathol chemists/toxicologist might have 3;631-52, 1927. submitted their work for publica- As things transpired, the coroner tion. I eventually managed to find system used for the investigation 2. Gettler AO, Freireich AW. - An 73 papers with AO Gettler listed as of sudden, unnatural and/or sus- swers to comments by mem- one of the authors. Many of these picious deaths in New York had ac- bers of the Committee on tests publications appeared in prestigious quired a bad reputation with alle- for intoxication. Am J Clin Pathol journals, such as Analytical Chem- gations of bribery and corruption. 15;618-21, 1945. istry, JAMA, Journal of Biological This prompted the major of NY to 3. Gettler AO, Freireich AW, Chemistry and American Journal create the Office of Chief Medical Schwartz H. Comments by mem- of Clinical Pathology. Because of Examiner (OCME) in 1918. As it hap- bers of Committee on tests for space limitations in TOXTALK, Get- pened, the OCME office, along with intoxication of National Safety tler’s complete bibliography is not the city morgue, were located in Council on Blood alcohol and included here. However, members the pathology building of Bellevue intoxication: its value in - bor of SOFT who might be interested in Hospital, which was on the corner derline cases. Am J Clin Pathol obtaining a pdf version are welcome of 29th Street and First Avenue. The 15;613-17, 1945. to e-mail me directly. chief pathologist, Dr. Charles Norris (1867-1935), also served as director But who was Alexander Gettler? 4. Gettler AO. The toxicologist as a of the chemical laboratories at Bel- After reviewing his many contribu- crime detector. Pa Med J 51;159- levue Hospital and was therefore tions, as reflected in his published 64, 1947. acquainted with Dr. Gettler and the work, it became abundantly clear work he was doing in clinical chem- 5. Gettler AO, Kaye S. A simple and that he was without doubt the istry. In 1918, Norris was appointed rapid analytical method for Hg, founding father of forensic toxicol- the first Chief Medical Examiner for Bi, Sb, and As in biologic mate- ogy in the United States. According the city of New York. rial. J Lab Clin Med 35;146-51, to Wikipedia, Alexander Gettler was 1950. born in Austria, and along with his Dr. Norris realized the need to re- 6. Gettler AO, Bastian R. Zinc in hu- father and sister immigrated to the cruit a skilled chemist to develop man tissues; detection and de- United States in 1881 (aged 7) arriv- ways of identifying drugs and poi- termination by dithizone. Am J ing in the Port of New York. The Get- sons in the biological materials tak- Clin Pathol 17;244-49, 1947. tler family settled in the Brooklyn en during medicolegal autopsies PAGE 9 ALEXANDER OSCAR GETTLER, BS, MA, PHD - AN APPRECIATION By: Professor AW Jones, BSc, PhD, DSc Division of Drug Research, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden [email protected]

and offered this position to Dr. Get- tler’s bibliography (88%) had his Gettler’s laboratory. One article -re tler. Norris managed to persuade name as the sole or first author, ferred to him as a “test-tube sleuth.” Gettler to quit his clinical work and which testifies to his major con- Another popular magazine ran a ru- join the OCME as its chief toxicolo- tribution to the work presented. bric entitled “Cause of death? — ask gist, hence the start of a very fruitful However, besides this impressive Gettler” and Harper’s magazine de- collaboration until Norris’s death in publication track record, perhaps scribed him as “the man who reads 1935. Dr. Gettler’s most important con- corpses.” tribution was his mentorship of the Among the second generation of US second generation of forensic toxi- forensic toxicologists, with strong cologists in North America. From a links to Dr. Gettler, and who trained combination of his charisma,- per in his laboratory at various periods, sonality and work ethic, Dr. Gettler many as PhD students, were Abra- attracted a large number of gradu- ham Stolman (1908-1992), Sidney ate students and budding chemists Kaye (1912-2012), Leo Goldbaum to his laboratory. They honed their (1913-2012), Henry Freimuth (1912- skills in analytical chemistry and 1994), Irving Sunshine (1916-2006), learnt the knack of extracting and Frederic Rieders (1922-2005), Abra- identifying toxic substances in bio- ham Freireich (1906-1985), Joseph logical specimens taken at autopsy. Umberger (1907-1977) and Leo Dal Dr. Gettler working at the bench, without a lab coat, but with rolled-up shirt sleeves. The analytical methods available Cortivo (1928-2011). They became at the time were rather primitive known collectively as the “Gettler More information about the dynam- and included solvent extractions boys” and many went on to enjoy ic duo of Gettler and Norris can be with chloroform or ether (Stas-Otto distinguished careers and head their gleaned from Deborah Blum’s book method), steam distillation of the own forensic toxicology laborato- “The Poisoner’s Handbook” (the entire brain or 300-500 grams of liv- ries, thereby training a third genera- Penguin Press, 2010). This contains er tissue were common laboratory tion of toxicologists, such as Charles vivid descriptions of many murder practices. Identification was done (Nick) Hodnett, Joe Monforte, Al- cases and poisoning deaths in NYC by wet-chemistry methods, utiliz- phonse Poklis (1945-2016) and Bar- during the first decades of the 20th ing color reactions, crystallization, ry Levine, to name just a few. century, during the jazz age and precipitation, titration and mixed At the age of 75 y, Dr. Gettler retired when alcohol prohibition was en- melting points. An account of the from the OCME (1 January 1959), forced. early days of forensic toxicology can but remained active as a consul- be found in Irving Sunshine’s book The types of chemical substances “Was it a poisoning – forensic tox- encountered by Gettler and Norris icologists searching for answers” represented both organic and in- (AACC Press, 1998). Written in Dr. organic poisons, including arsenic, Sunshine’s imitable style, he relates alkaloids, cyanide, ether, carbon his experiences from working as monoxide, chloroform, mercury, laboratory assistant and PhD stu- thallium, opium, wood alcohol etc. dent with Gettler in the late 1940s Another example of chemical de- and early 1950s. tective work done by Dr. Gettler and his associates was the investigation Long before television programs of radiation poisoning deaths (see on crime investigations and foren- Irving Sunshine, Am J Forensic Med sic science became popular, the Pathol 4 (4) 307-309, 1983). news-media were keen to report Dr. Gettler, holding a separating funnel probably engaged in a solvent extraction. what was happening at the OCME Sixty-four of the 73 papers in Get- and particularly the work done in PAGE 10 ALEXANDER OSCAR GETTLER, BS, MA, PHD - AN APPRECIATION By: Professor AW Jones, BSc, PhD, DSc Division of Drug Research, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden [email protected]

His last publication makes a good prestigious award, were de facto read and appeared in the inaugural “Gettler Boys,” namely Goldbaum, issue of Journal of Forensic Sciences Freimuth, Kaye, Freireich and Rie- (Vol 1;3-25, 1956). A tribute to the ders. life and work of Alexander Gettler, was written by one of his students (Henry Freimuth) and is available from the TOXTALK archives (Vol 7 (2) 1-2, 1983). The name of Alexander Gettler is firmly anchored in the discipline of Dr. Gettler at work in his laboratory on the forensic toxicology thanks to the chemical analysis of poisons. creation, in 1983, of a GETTLER AWARD by the American Academy tant and continued to follow devel- of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). This opments in forensic toxicology for award is conferred on those mem- the remainder of his life. Gettler’s bers of the toxicology section of last publication was entitled “The Dr. Charles Norris (1867-1935) the first historical development of forensic AAFS who have made career-long chief medical examiner in NYC. contributions to analytical toxicolo- toxicology,” and this 22 page arti- gy and method development. I am cle reviewed many of the poisoning sure that Alexander Gettler would deaths that he investigated during have been happy and proud to learn his long tenure at the OCME (41 y). that the first five recipients of this

IN MEMORIAM - DONALD B. HOFFMAN, Ph.D., F-ABFT

Dear fellow toxicologists, membership, outlined the require- only. John Jay College will provide a ments for each class, and developed a memorial service once students and It is with great sorrow that we share process to notify approved members. faculty return to campus. this news with our community, long While the membership classes, their time retired charter member, Dr. Don- requirements and approval notification John Jay College has established a ald B. Hoffman has lost his battle with have evolved over the years, SOFT still Memorial Scholarship in Dr. Hoffman’s COVID-19 and passed away in April of uses the framework that these four honor. The scholarship will support an this year. We are deeply saddened by developed in 1973. outstanding undergraduate student the loss of Dr. Hoffman and would like majoring in toxicology or forensic sci- to take this opportunity to highlight his Dr. Hoffman has served as a faculty ence with a concentration in Forensic contributions to our field and organi- member in the Department of Scienc- Toxicology. In lieu of flowers, the fami- zation. es at John Jay College for the past 44 ly suggests memorial contributions be years. During his time with John Jay, made to: Dr. Hoffman joined SOFT as its 72nd Dr. Hoffman taught over 3,000 stu- member in 1973. He was appointed dents and helped create the under- The Donald B. Hoffman Memorial to the newly formed Membership graduate toxicology track in Forensic Scholarship in Toxicology Committee by the first SOFT Board Science major in 1980 with Dr. Agar- www.jjay.cuny.edu/donate of Directors and was asked to create wal. Their persistence and determina- membership classes, membership re- tion helped to achieve a stand-alone or by calling 212-887-6185 quirements and a process for notifying toxicology major at John Jay. members of their membership approval. Along with Jesse Bidanset, Leo Dal Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pan- Cortivo, and Abe Freireich, Dr. Hoffman demic, Dr. Hoffman’s funeral service is helped form three classes of SOFT private and limited to family members PAGE 11 AWARDS COMMITTEE .. PAGE 12 PAGE MaryMary Jones, B.S. Jones, B.S. Tim Rohrig, Ph.D. Ph.D. Tim Rohrig, Tim Rohrig, Jason Hudson, Ph.D. Jason Hudson, Ph.D. Jason Hudson, Ph.D. [email protected] [email protected] Erin Karschner, Ph.D. Ph.D. Erin Karschner, Erin Karschner, COMMITTEECOMMITTEE CHAIR CHAIR Bill Johnson, D-ABFT-FT Bill Johnson, D-ABFT-FT COMMITTEECOMMITTEE MEMBERS: MEMBERS: Laureen Marinetti, Ph.D Ph.D Marinetti, Marinetti, Laureen Laureen Erin A. Spargo, Ph.D., F-ABFT F-ABFT Ph.D., Ph.D., Erin A.Erin A. Spargo, Spargo, for their for ! thank the 2020 learn more about Thank you Erin, Dani, Thank you please click below. If you would like to to like would If you the to donation a make or awards SOFT ERA fund Young Scientist Meeting Award Award Meeting Scientist Young Farley Megan (YSMA): to like also would We Members Committee Awards in energy of time and contirbution our submisions and selecting reviewing 2020 winners. Bill and Laureen Jason, Mary, - 2020 winners of the 2020 winners

Congratulations to this year’s year’s to this Congratulations CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOFT MORE LEARN CLICK HERE TO AWRDS OR TO DONATE TO THE ERA FUND TO DONATE OR TO AWRDS CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOFT MORE LEARN CLICK HERE TO

AWRDS OR TO DONATE TO THE ERA FUND TO DONATE OR TO AWRDS

Congratulations! Congratulations! Ashley Gesseck and Samuel Krug Ashley Educations Research Award (ERA): Award Research Educations submitted applications to this year’s year’s to this applications submitted committee! research below. Thank you to all who to Thank you below. research winners! We hope you enjoy read enjoy hope you We winners! and their winners ing about the 2020 (YSMA). Educational Research Award (ERA) Award Research Educational Award Meeting Scientist and Young to announce the to The SOFT Awards Committee is pleased Committee The SOFT Awards

2020 ERA & YSMA AWARD WINNERS WINNERS AWARD AWARD YSMA YSMA & & ERA ERA 2020 2020 AWARDS COMMITTEE .. PAGE 13 PAGE MaryMary Jones, B.S. Jones, B.S. Tim Rohrig, Ph.D. Ph.D. Tim Rohrig, Tim Rohrig, Jason Hudson, Ph.D. Jason Hudson, Ph.D. Jason Hudson, Ph.D. [email protected] [email protected] Erin Karschner, Ph.D. Ph.D. Erin Karschner, Erin Karschner, COMMITTEECOMMITTEE CHAIR CHAIR Bill Johnson, D-ABFT-FT Bill Johnson, D-ABFT-FT COMMITTEECOMMITTEE MEMBERS: MEMBERS: Laureen Marinetti, Ph.D Ph.D Marinetti, Marinetti, Laureen Laureen Erin A. Spargo, Ph.D., F-ABFT F-ABFT Ph.D., Ph.D., Erin A.Erin A. Spargo, Spargo, YOUNG FORENSIC TOXICOLIGISTS COMMITTEE MEMBERS PAGE 14 PAGE Awards Awards Program Program Secretary Secretary Secretary Fair (PDF) (PDF) Fair Fair Elisa Shoff Elisa Shoff Vice ChairVice Chair David Cook David Kim SamanoKim Kevin Shanks Kevin Sara Dempsey Dempsey Sara Erin Strickland Whitney Brown Whitney Amanda Rausch Amanda Rausch YFT Symposium Symposium YFT YFT Vanessa Meneses Vanessa Marissa Finkelstein Marissa Finkelstein ToxTalk Contributor Contributor ToxTalk ToxTalk Student Enrichment Enrichment Student Student YFT Committee Chair Chair Committee Committee YFT YFT Immediate Past Chair Chair Past Past Immediate Immediate Professional Development Development Development Professional Professional

- - - Marissa Marissa Sara Sara – Forensic – Forensic David Cook David – Chief Toxicologist at at Toxicologist – Chief – Forensic Toxicologist I at I at Toxicologist – Forensic – Toxicology Technical Super Technical – Toxicology Elisa Shoff and Erin Strickland Elisa Shoff and Johnson County Medical Examiner Of Examiner Medical Johnson County as our immediate serves fice currently past-chair. Professional Development Fair: Fair: Development Professional Finkelstein De Examiner Miami-Dade Medical and partment Medical at Nassau County III Scientist Examiner Awards: Institute Harris County I at – Toxicologist Sciences of Forensic Kim Samano Student Enrichment Prpgram: Prpgram: Enrichment Student Dempsey Center Science Forensic Houston visor at ------– - Forensic - Forensic , Forensic , Forensic

, Senior Forensic , Senior Forensic Amanda Rausch

Whitney Brown Brown Whitney

Secretary Amanda Rausch. Secretary

YOUNG FORENSIC TOXICOLOGISTS (YFT) (YFT) TOXICOLOGISTS TOXICOLOGISTS FORENSIC FORENSIC YOUNG YOUNG

Forensic Services Forensic

Scientist II at Mesa Police Department Police Department at Mesa II Scientist

Science and

ty Southwestern Institute of Forensic Forensic of Institute ty Southwestern

Forensic Toxicologist II at Dallas Coun II at Toxicologist Forensic

YFT Symposium: YFT Symposium:

mittees. mittees.

tee are assigned to designated sub-com designated assigned to are tee

The remaining members of the commit members The remaining

Lab, and

Scientist III at the Orange County Crime County at the Orange III Scientist

Vice Chair Vanessa Meneses Vice Chair Vanessa

Toxicologist at Axis Forensic Toxicology, Toxicology, Forensic Axis at Toxicologist

Chair Kevin Shanks Chair Kevin

tive board comprised of three officers, officers, comprised of three board tive

The committee currently has an execu has an currently The committee

annual meeting!

wait to pick things back up for the 2021 pick things back up for to wait

upcoming contributions and we cannot we and contributions upcoming

We hope you will all enjoy reading our reading will all enjoy hope you We

winners. winners.

past and present Leo Dal Cortivo award award Leo Dal Cortivo and present past

YFT events and activities, and spotlight and activities, and spotlight YFT events

as well as provide updates on various on various updates as provide as well

accomplishments of young toxicologists, toxicologists, of young accomplishments

ToxTalk is to emphasize the research and the research emphasize is to ToxTalk

terly ToxTalk publication. Our goal in Our publication. ToxTalk terly

presence, and contribute to the quar the to and contribute presence,

nual meeting, we decided to expand our to we decided nual meeting,

In addition to our involvement in the an to our involvement In addition

young toxicologist. toxicologist. young

poster and platform presentation by a presentation and platform poster

annual Leo Dal Cortivo Award for best for best Award annual Leo Dal Cortivo

Professional Development Fair, and the and Fair, Development Professional

Student Enrichment Program (SEP), Program Enrichment Student

meeting, including the YFT symposium, meeting, including the YFT

for several events at the SOFT annual at events several for

at annual meetings. YFT is responsible responsible YFT is annual meetings. at

als in the field to showcase their work work their to showcase als in the field

couraging new students and profession students new couraging

networking opportunities, while also en networking

toxicologists by providing education and education providing by toxicologists

has been supporting young forensic forensic young has been supporting

Since 2009, the SOFT YFT committee SOFT YFT committee Since 2009, the

serving on the awards sub-committee. sub-committee. serving on the awards

icologists (YFT) committee, specifically specifically (YFT) committee, icologists

as a member of the Young Forensic Tox Forensic of the Young as a member

Medical Examiner Department, as well as well Department, Examiner Medical

rensic Toxicologist II at the Miami-Dade the Miami-Dade II at Toxicologist rensic

My name is Elisa Shoff and I am a Fo and I am a is Elisa Shoff My name Hello fellow toxicologists, toxicologists, fellow Hello THE EMERGENCE OF EUTYLONE IN VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT Christopher Shanks, Kristin Kahl, Lisa Reidy University of Miami Toxicology Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 1600 NW 10th Ave Suite 7025A, Miami, FL 33136 [email protected]

Introduction trometry (LC-QTOF) and gas chroma- duloxetine, mitragynine, topiramate tography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and eutylone. The following com- Novel psychoactive substances (NPS), in urine and/or blood samples. Quanti- pounds were reported in the blood including amphetamine analogues tation of eutylone in blood samples is sample collected from the victim: and synthetic cathinones, popular performed by liquid chromatography cocaethylene (below the lower limit of in dance club and rave culture, have tandem-mass spectrometry (LC–MS- quantitation (LLOQ)), cocaine metab- historically been observed to emerge MS). This quantitative method in- olites, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as a trending factor in drug facilitated cludes 14 drugs and/or metabolites, (2 ng/mL) and its metabolites, topi- sexual assaults (DFSA) (1). 3,4-methy- including MDMA, N-ethylpentylone, ramate, lorazepam (11 ng/mL), and lenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and eutylone. All of the analytical eutylone. Blood quantitation of euty- commonly referred to as “Ecstasy” or methods used were validated at the lone was performed and was reported “Molly”, has been among the most University of Miami Toxicology Labora- as below the LLOQ (10 ng/mL). commonly used club drugs; howev- tory in accordance with SWGTOX vali- er, in recent years other NPS, such dation guidelines and/or the ANSI/ASB Case 2: as N-ethylpentylone and eutylone 036 standard (6,7). All cases originated A female, between 30-40 years old, have been identified in samples from from law enforcement investigations users of “Molly” (2,3). This is also true states that she consumed an alcoholic in Miami-Dade County, Florida dating beverage given to her by her partner. of some sexual assault victims who from January 2019 to March 2020. specifically mention having consumed The victim stated she began to feel “Molly” prior to being assaulted. Ethical approval: This study was dizzy and subsequently fell asleep. approved by the institutional review While slipping in and out of conscious- Eutylone emerged as a component of board at the University of Miami for ness, she describes that her partner multiple drug-facilitated sexual as- IRB: 2004039. subsequently sexually assaulted her. sault cases starting in 2019. Eutylone Following the attack, the victim report- (β-Keto-1,3-benzodioxolyl-N-ethyl- Case Samples ed feeling lethargic and had pain in her butanamine), also known as bk-EBDB genitals. or N-Ethylbutylone, is a substituted Case 1: phenyl-α-amino ketone, or a synthetic Blood and urine samples were collect- A female, between 20-30 years old, ed from the victim between 12 and cathinone, first developed in the 1960s recalls leaving a party she was attend- (4). It exhibits similar pharmacological 24 hours after the incident. The victim ing but has no recollection of returning disclosed that she had a prescription effects as other synthetic cathinones to her hotel room. She stated that she like methylone and pentylone, includ- for alprazolam. The following com- may have taken a ride share back to pounds were reported in the urine ing a sense of euphoria, stimulation, her hotel. She remembers, that once increased libido, and increased so- sample: ethyl sulfate (an ethanol me- back in her hotel room, she was vom- tabolite), cocaine and its metabolites, ciability (5). Eutylone is classified as iting and feeling that she had been a mixed reuptake inhibitor/releasing alprazolam and its metabolite, and eu- assaulted. Investigating detectives tylone. The following compounds were agent of serotonin, norepinephrine found surveillance footage of the vic- and dopamine. reported in the blood sample: benzo- tim leaving the hotel property with an ylecgonine (67 ng/mL), alprazolam (48 The following are sexual assault cases unknown male and returning approxi- ng/mL) and <10 ng/mL of eutylone. in which the presence of eutylone was mately one hour later by a ride share, confirmed and, where possible, quan- meeting her partner in the lobby. Case 3: tified in blood. All suspected DFSA cas- Blood and urine samples were collect- A female, between 50-60 years old, es received by the University of Miami ed from the victim 24-48 hours after reported that within the week prior Toxicology Laboratory are tested using the incident. The victim disclosed that to being sexually assaulted, she had a workflow specific for drug-facilitat- she was taking the prescription drugs consumed cocaine and lorazepam. She ed crime (DFC) cases, which includes topiramate and lorazepam. The fol- also reported taking “meth” voluntari- DFSA cases (Figure 1). lowing compounds were detected in ly on the day of the incident. No other Methods the urine sample collected from the information about the incident had victim: acetone, cocaine and its me- been made available to the laboratory Eutylone was detected in our lab- tabolites, cocaethylene, levamisole, at time of testing. oratory by liquid chromatography 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC, lorazepam, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spec- dextromethorphan, chlorpheniramine, Blood and urine samples were collect- PAGE 15 THE EMERGENCE OF EUTYLONE IN VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT Christopher Shanks, Kristin Kahl, Lisa Reidy University of Miami Toxicology Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 1600 NW 10th Ave Suite 7025A, Miami, FL 33136 [email protected] ed from the victim within 48 hours interpretation is the detection of the sic Toxicology (SWGTOX) Standard of the incident. The following com- additional psychoactive substances Practices for Method Validation in pounds were confirmed in the urine found in the blood samples from these Forensic Toxicology (2013) Jour- sample: cocaine and its metabolites, victims which adds to the complexity nal of Analytical Toxicology, 37(7), oxycodone, oxymorphone, fentanyl, in terms of determining the additive 452–474, (CLICK HERE) norfentanyl, despropionyl fentanyl, effects and potential toxic side effects lorazepam, gabapentin, citalopram, due to poly-drug use. 7. AAFS Standards Board 2019, Stan- topiramate and eutylone. The follow- dard Practices for Method Valida- ing compounds were confirmed in the To further add to the problematic nation in Forensic Toxicology, Ameri- blood sample: fentanyl, norfentanyl, ture of interpretation, the time taken can Academy of Forensic Sciences, despropionyl fentanyl, citalopram, for the blood samples to be collected (CLICK HERE) post incident was greater than 12 topiramate, lorazepam (14 ng/mL) and 501 ng/mL of eutylone. The victim was hours for each case. Without addi- prescribed lorazepam, topiramate, tional information, including dosages citalopram, oxycodone, oxymorphone and pharmacokinetic data, it is not and gabapentin by her physicians. possible, at present, to draw conclu- sions beyond the emerging trend of Case 4: eutylone in local drug facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) cases. A female between 50-60 years old had agreed to sexual intercourse but References subsequently changed her mind. The victim reported having consumed 2 1. Harper, N.S. 2011. Drug Facilitated beers, cocaine and “molly” prior to the Sexual Assault. In: C. Jenny (Ed), incident, as well as heroin within the Child Abuse and Neglect, Saunders, preceding week. pp. 118-126. Blood and urine samples were collect- 2. Krotulski, A.J., Mohr, A.L.A., Foga- ed from the victim 24-48 hours after rty, M.F. and Logan, B.K. 2018. The the incident. The following compounds Detection of Novel Stimulants in were confirmed in the urine sample: Oral Fluid from Users Reporting Ec- cocaine and its metabolites, coca- stasy, Molly and MDMA Ingestion. ethylene, levamisole, metronidazole, J Anal Toxicol 42, 544-553. 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC, lorazepam, 3. Krotulski, A.J., Papsun, D.M., De olanzapine, naproxen metabolites, Martinis, B.S., Mohr, A.L.A. and Lo- ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate gan, B.K. 2018. N-Ethyl Pentylone (ethanol metabolites) and eutylone. (Ephylone) Intoxications: Quantita- The following compounds were report- tive Confirmation and Metabolite ed in the blood sample: cocaine and its Identification in Authentic Human metabolites, lidocaine, metronidazole, Biological Specimens. J Anal Toxicol olanzapine, lorazepam (<10 ng/mL) 42, 467-475. and <10 ng/mL of eutylone. 4. Ingelheim, B.S. 1967. Aryl-Al- Discussion pha-Aminoketone Derivatives. In: The effects of eutylone are document- T.P.O.-. London (Ed), United King- ed as euphoric, “loved up”, and simi- dom. lar to the effect of MDMA. While the 5. 2020. 1-(1,3-Benzodiox- detection of eutylone in drug facilitat- ol-5-yl)-2-(ethylamino)butan-1- ed sexual assault cases is novel, it is one (Eutylone). Drug Enforcement difficult to determine how its presence Administration. DEA PRB 02-10-20- factored into each of these cases in 06. terms of facilitation of the reported crime. Another issue with providing 6. Scientific Working Group for Foren- PAGE 16 THE EMERGENCE OF EUTYLONE IN VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT Christopher Shanks, Kristin Kahl, Lisa Reidy University of Miami Toxicology Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 1600 NW 10th Ave Suite 7025A, Miami, FL 33136 [email protected]

PAGE 17 AAFS MEETING UPDATE & CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

ators, abstract reviewers, and count- Forensic Science Research and Edu- less volunteers helped put on such cation (Workshop #1) and NMS Labs an excellent event and without them, (Workshop #10, Workshop #21, and none of this would have been possible. Wednesday Night Owl). The scientific program for the Toxicolo- gy Section was outstanding because of Our annual Toxicology Luncheon was your hard work that resulted in three well attended with 70 registered excellent workshops (“Drug Delivery attendees. We received updates from Homicide”, “The Investigation and Jen Limoges on the progress of the Analysis of Health Care Serial Killers”, ASB standards development and from With everything that has happened and “A Decade of Designer Drugs”), Michelle Peace on her blossoming recently, it’s hard to believe that many an Annual Lectureship courtesy of Dr. mentorship program. We surprised of us met just four months ago for the Dary Fiorentino, 45 Poster presenta- Brad Hepler as the 2020 Lifetime 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the tions, and 37 Oral presentations (in- Achievement Honoree with tributes American Academy of Forensic Scienc- cluding the 20th Annual Postmortem from Dwain Fuller, Dan Isenschmid, es in Anaheim, California. On behalf Pediatric Forensic Toxicology session). Bob Osiewicz, Eric Lavins, Heesun of the AAFS Toxicology Section leader- Chung and Brad’s daughter, Erin Wor- ship, I thought I would share a meeting Special recognition to the following rell. We also celebrated the following update and let you know what is in financial supporters and their contin- Toxicology Section awards: Christine store for 2021. ued, generous support: Agilent Tech- Moore (Rolla N. Harger Award), Eric nologies, UTAK Laboratories, RTI (Best Lavins (Ray Abernethy Award), Natha- First, I want to take this opportuni- Poster Award), Lipomed, Thomson lie Desrosiers (Irving Sunshine Award), ty to sincerely thank all of you that Instrument Company, Waters Corpora- and Haley Mulder (June K Jones made this meeting such a success! The tion, SCIEX, Cayman Chemical, Shimad- Award). Congratulations to our honor- Toxicology Section officers, workshop zu Scientific Instruments, Center for ee and awardees! chairs, program chairs, session moder-

PAGE 18 AAFS MEETING UPDATE & CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Preparations for the 73rd Annual AAFS ed in becoming an abstract reviewer Mandi Mohr meeting in Houston, TX, February 15- or moderator: HERE. Should you be Tox Section Program Co-chair 20, 2021 are taking place on schedule interested in promotion, please note [email protected] albeit in a virtual fashion for now. Toxi- October 1, 2020 is the application cology’s very-own AAFS President Jeri deadline. Please consult the AAFS Ropero-Miller has chosen the theme website for general and section specif- Awards contact: of “One Academy – Pursuing Justice ic requirements. Tim Rohrig Through Truth in Evidence”. I’m sure Awards and Scholarship Chair Please mark your calendars now for that my colleagues will agree that we [email protected] are looking forward to celebrating another exciting meeting - looking unity and justice over the coming year. forward to seeing y’all in Houston! We expect another exciting program with a variety of workshops, scientific sessions, breakfasts, luncheons and Section Officers: traditional sessions including Drugs Sherri Kacinko and Driving, Postmortem Pediatric Tox Section Chair Toxicology and our joint session with [email protected] the Pathology/Biology Section. With this year’s theme in mind, please Sabra Botch-Jones start thinking about workshop propos- Tox Section Secretary als, abstract topics or nominations for [email protected] the section awards. The September 1, 2020 deadline for submissions is less than four months away! Workshop and abstract contacts: Madeleine Gates Moderators and volunteers are es- Tox Section Program Chair sential to a successful meeting; such service is especially useful for those [email protected] members wishing to promote. Please fill out this survey if you are interest- PAGE 19 NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES Submitted by: Dani Mata, SOFT Designer Drugs Committee Chair and Simon Elliot, TIAFT NPS Committee Chair

Short Communication for the Analysis was first identified in seized material Cannabinoid Widely Implicated in Fo- of 4F-MDMB-BINACA and biological fluid since November rensic Casework. J Forensic Sci. (2019) 2018 in Europe and the USA with 64(5):1451-1461 Date: May 2020 increasing detections throughout 2019 Synonyms: 4F-MDMB-BUTINACA and into 2020. It is encountered similar to other synthetic cannabinoids. Methyl 2-[[1-(4-fluorobutyl)indazole-3-carbonyl]amino]-3,3dimeth- In 2019, the 42nd meeting of the yl-butanoate World Health Organization Expert Committee on Drug Dependence Methyl (S)-2-(1-(4-fluorobutyl)-1H-in- critically reviewed 4F-MDMB-BINACA dazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3di- (CLICK HERE). At its meeting in March methylbutanoate 2020, the Commission for Narcotic Drugs voted to place 4F-MDMB- Methyl (2S)-2-{[1-(4-fluorobu- BINACA under international control tyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbonyl]ami- as a Schedule II substance in the 1971 no}-3,3dimethylbutanoate Convention on Psychotropic Substanc- N-[[1-(4-Fluorobutyl)-1H-indazole-3-yl] es. carbonyl]-3-methyl-L-valine, methyl Although detected, there are no ester current reports of 4F-MDMB-BINACA Structure: concentrations in biological fluid. For limit of detection and quantitation purposes, published concentrations for 5F-MDMB-PINACA detection and measurement may apply. Studies have demonstrated that the primary metabolite of 4F-MDMB-BINACA is the ester hydrolysis metabolite as for other synthetic cannabinoids with –OCH3 at the head (e.g. 5F-MDMB-PINACA). The ester metabolite of 4F-MDMB-BINACA (M+H, 350.1874) and 5F-MDMB- PINACA share common fragments and may have very similar retention times, but researchers have identified a specific 4F-MDMB-BINACA ester Formula: C19H26FN3O3 metabolite product ion of 290.0928 (M+H) that incorporates the fluoro-bu- Molecular Weight (nominal mass): tyl chain. 363.43 References: Theoretical M+H accurate mass: 364.2031 Haschimi B, Mogler L, Halter S, Gior- getti A, Schwarze B, Westphal F, Fisch- Pharmacological Drug Class: Synthetic mann S, Auwärter V. Detection of the cannabinoid recently emerged synthetic cannabinoid 4F-MDMB-BINACA in “legal high” Suggested LOD: 0.1 ng/mL products and human urine specimens. Suggested LOQ: 0.1 ng/mL Drug Test Anal. (2019) 11(9):1377- 1386 4F-MDMB-BINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid with an indazole core and flu- Krotulski AJ, Mohr ALA, Kacinko SL, orinated butyl chain as opposed to the Fogarty MF, Shuda SA, Diamond FX, fluorinated pentyl chain of 5F-MDMB- Kinney WA, Menendez MJ, Logan BK. PINACA (5F-ADB). 4F-MDMB-BINACA 4F-MDMB-BINACA: A New Synthetic PAGE 20 NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES Submitted by: Dani Mata, SOFT Designer Drugs Committee Chair and Simon Elliot, TIAFT NPS Committee Chair

LC-MS Spectrum:

[source: Sciex X500R , Travis County Medical Examiner]

Short Communication for the Analysis Formula: C17H12ClFN4 sion for Narcotic Drugs voted to place of Flualprazolam flualprazolam under international Molecular Weight (nominal mass): control as a Schedule IV substance in Date: May 2020 326.75 the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Synonyms: 8-chloro-6-(2-fluoro- Theoretical M+H accurate mass: Substances. phenyl)-1-methyl-4H-[1,2,4]tri- 327.0807 From the United Nations Office on azolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine Drugs and Crime (UNODC) ToxPortal, 2’-Fluoro Alprazolam ortho-Fluoro Pharmacological Drug Class: Central Nervous System Depressant flualprazolam has been reported over Alprazolam 150 times with the vast majority of re- Structure: Suggested LOD: 2 ng/mL ports from North America and Europe. Where blood concentrations were Suggested LOQ: 5 ng/mL available, post-mortem blood concen- Flualprazolam is a triazolo-benzodi- trations between 0.8 and 100 ng/mL azepine, similar to alprazolam and and blood concentrations of between triazolam, and was first patented in 5.5 and 57 ng/mL in drug driving, were the 1970s. It is not currently market- reported. ed or approved for medicinal use in From October 2018 until November any country. The Drug Enforcement 2019, the Toxicology Section of the Administration first identified flualpra- Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) zolam in 2018 (CLICK HERE). In 2019, in California, USA has had 130 cas- the 42nd meeting of the World Health es of flualprazolam, with 10% from Organization Expert Committee on post-mortem cases, and the rest from Drug Dependence critically reviewed DUID with one case form a sexual as- flualprazolam (CLICK HERE). At its sault. Flualprazolam was detected on meeting in March 2020, the Commis-

PAGE 21 NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES Submitted by: Dani Mata, SOFT Designer Drugs Committee Chair and Simon Elliot, TIAFT NPS Committee Chair Flualprazolam LC-MS Spectrum:

[source: Sciex X500R, Orange County Crime Laboratory, California, USA] an LC-QTOF with no quantitation. within this same time frame; 20% had Kriikku P, Rasanen I, Ojanperä I, Thel- another NPS benzodiazepine present. ander G, Kronstrand R, Vikingsson S. Sacramento County District Attorney’s Femoral blood concentrations of flual- Forensic Laboratory in California has There are no current reports of flu- prazolam in 33 postmortem cases. Fo- had over 150 cases with concentra- alprazolam concentrations in hair, rensic Sci Int. (2020) Feb;307:110101. tions ranging from 5 ng/mL (LOQ) to serum or urine. Initial studies re- doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110101. 150 ng/mL. The average concentration garding metabolism have indicated Epub 2019 Dec 19 was 25 ng/ml with a median concen- alpha-hydroxyflualprazolam, 4-hy- tration of 18 ng/mL. Their data and droxyflualprazolam glucuronide, flual- Wagmann L, Manier SK, Bambauer TP, data from NMS Labs can be seen in prazolam-glucuronide and alpha-hy- Felske C, Eckstein N, Flockerzi V, Meyer TOXTalk, (2019) Volume 43, Issue 4, droxyflualprazolam glucuronide. These MR. Toxicokinetics and analytical along with a GCMS spectrum of flual- metabolites were also detected in toxicology of flualprazolam: metabolic prazolam. blood and urine samples from the fate, isozyme mapping, human plasma Orange County Crime Lab. concentration, and main urinary ex- For both Orange County and Sacra- cretion products. J Anal Toxicol. (2020) mento, the most common co-admin- Additional References: Feb 27. pii: bkaa019. doi: 10.1093/jat/ istered drug is THC, followed by other bkaa019. [Epub ahead of print] benzodiazepines with alprazolam Heide G, Høiseth G, Middelkoop G, being the most common. The majority Øiestad ÅML. Blood concentrations of cases have submission into the drug of designer benzodiazepines: Relation section of fake “Xanax” tablets. The to impairment and findings in foren- Controlled Substance Section of the sic cases. J Anal Toxicol. (2020) May OCCL had 40 cases of flualprazolam 5:bkaa043. doi: 10.1093/jat/bkaa043. [Epub ahead of print] ORAL FLUID WEBINAR Wednesday, July 22, 1:00-3:30 pm Eastern, Online via Zoom

Join us for SOFT’s first webinar on Learning Objectives: After attending this Dr. Jarrad Wagner; Professor of Forensic Wednesday, July 22 from 1:00-3:30 pm course, participants will: Sciences, Oklahoma State University Cen- ter for Health Sciences Eastern online via Zoom! 1. Be knowledgeable on the current Abstract: This 2.5-hour SOFT Continu- state of OF drug testing Registration Fees: $25 for SOFT members, $35 for non-members ing Education Webinar will focus on 2. Understand the difference between the use of oral fluid (OF) testing to roadside and confirmation OF testing support driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) investigations. Both 3. Be aware of pilot project and testing REGISTERREGISTER HEREHERE roadside and lab based evidential recommendations in DUID cases testing will be discussed. The training 4. Be better prepared for OF case inter- is designed for toxicologists, law en- pretation and courtroom testimony forcement, attorneys, and other traffic safety partners to successfully inves- Instructors: Dr. Curt Harper; Chief Toxi- cologist, Alabama Department of Forensic tigate and prosecute DUID in their Sciences communities. PAGE 22 SOFT MEETING ATTENDEE CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

The Society of Forensic Toxicologists and/or expression, disability, ap- The following are ways to report ha- (SOFT) holds professional meetings pearance, or other group status; rassing behavior: to enable its members to receive continuing education, build professional • Sexual harassment or intimidation, • Phone the SOFT Executive Director networks, and discover new products including unwelcome sexual atten- at 480-839-9106; and services for professional use. To tion, stalking (physical or virtual), or provide all attendees, including but not unsolicited physical contact; and • Email the SOFT Executive Director limited to members and their guests, at [email protected]; speakers, exhibitors, staff and volun- • Yelling at or threatening speakers teers – the opportunity to benefit from (verbally or physically). • During the annual conference the event, SOFT is committed to pro- in-person notifications can be made viding a harassment-free environment As a scientific organization we encour- at the registration booth; and for everyone, regardless of gender, sex- age respectful scientific debate. ual orientation, gender identity, gender • During regional workshops in-per- expression, disability, physical appear- All participants are expected to ob- son notifications can be made to ance, ethnicity, religion or other group serve these rules and behaviors in all the workshop host. identity. conference venues, including online SOFT prohibits retaliation against any SOFT seeks to provide an environment venues, and conference social events. individual who reports discrimination in which diverse participants may learn, Participants asked to stop a hostile or or harassment or participates in an in- network, and enjoy the company of col- harassing behavior are expected to vestigation of such reports. Retaliation leagues in an environment of mutual comply immediately. Failure to comply against an individual is a serious viola- respect. To maintain that environment, may result in expulsion from the meet- tion of this policy and, like harassment the following behaviors are prohibited: ing and future meetings, or other sanctions. Any person who has experienced or discrimination itself, will be subject • Harassment or intimidation based a serious verbal threat or any physical to sanctions. on race, religion, language, sex, assault should contact law enforce- sexual orientation, gender identity ment officials immediately.

PAGE 23 FUTURE SOFT MEETINGS 2021 Gaylord Opryland, Nashville, TN September 26–October 1, 2021 Jennifer Colby and Erin Karschner

2022 Huntington Convention Center, Cleveland, OH October 30-November 4, 2022 TOXTALK Doug Rohde and Michele Merves Crosby TOXTALK® is the official publication of 2023 the Society of Forensic Toxicologists Gaylord Rockies, Denver, CO and is published quarterly. October 29–November 3, 2023 Dan Anderson and Jarrad Wagner To submit articles please email 2024 CC Watson at [email protected] Union Station, St. Louis, MO Oct 27-Nov 2 For advertsing opportunites please TBD email Beth Olson at [email protected]

Deadlines for Contributions: February 1 for March Issue May 1 for June Issue August 1 for September Issue November 1 for December Issue SOFT 2020 COMMITTEE CHAIRS FIND SOFT ONLINE! Awards Erin A. Spargo, Ph.D., F-ABFT Communications Matthew P. Juhascik, Ph.D., F-ABFT Visit the SOFT website SOFT-TOX.ORG Culture, Values and Diversity Samantha Tolliver, Ph.D. & Gail Cooper, Ph.D. Continuing Education Robert D. Johnson, Ph.D., F-ABFT Designer Drugs Dani Mata, D-ABFT-FT Follow and Like SOFT on Facebook @SOCIETYOFFORENSICTOXICOLOGISTS Drugs & Driving Curt E. Harper, Ph.D., F-ABFT Drug Facilitated Crimes Lisa Reidy, Ph.D. Ethics Jennifer Limoges, M.S., DABC CONTACT SOFT Finance Robert Sears, M.S., F-ABFT SOFT OFFICE History Bruce Goldberger, Ph.D., F-ABFT 1955 W. Baseline Rd., Ste 113-442 JAT Special Issue Luke Rooda, Ph.D. Mesa, AZ 85202 Membership Erin Spargo, Ph.D., F-ABFT Mentoring Michelle Peace, Ph.D. GENERAL INFORMATION: PH: 480-839-9106 Meeting Resource Marc A. LeBeau, Ph.D., F-ABFT E: [email protected] Nominating Dwain C. Fuller, B.S.Chem, F-ABFT, TC-NRCC Oral Fluid Christine Moore, Ph.D., DABCC EXHIBITOR/SPONSORSHIP: Policy & Procedures Erin Spargo, Ph.D., F-ABFT [email protected] Publications Justin Poklis, B.S., D-ABFT-FT YFT Kevin Shanks, M.S., D-ABFT-FT MEMBERSHIP: [email protected]