Update: Mailed Snake Trial

A father and son accused of mailing a poisonous snake to another man will be jailed for the duration of their trial after failing drug tests today. Former district judge Bob Castleman of Pocahontas and his son, Robert Jerrod Castleman, were surprised by the tests this morning. Court officials say Bob Castleman tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine and marijuana; Jerrod Castleman tested positive for marijuana. Both have a history of drug use. Barry Baker, a U-S Fish and Wildlife Service forensic scientist, testified about his examination of the copperhead mailed to Albert Coy Staton. Prosecutors questioned Baker about the ability of a snake to live for several days packed in a box. Baker said snakes often survive weeks at a time on international flights in boxes without air-holes. ----- Albert Staton told jurors earlier that the younger Castleman had sold him a faulty four-wheeler and became belligerent when Staton and his wife asked him to pay for repairs. Staton said Jerrod Castleman threatened them and drove across their yard in his father`s S-U-V. Separate criminal and civil cases are pending against Albert Staton for shooting at the vehicle during the yard incident. Posted by Mike Hellgren