“A 38-year-old man who police say tried making a couple of bucks by selling soap as crack cocaine waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Central Court on Monday. Paul Lawson, Jr., of 70 Davis Place, Wilkes-Barre, formerly of Philadelphia, was charged last month with intentional possession of a controlled substance — namely soap in lieu of crack cocaine — with intent to deliver, according to Luzerne County Clerk of Court records. According to an affidavit of probable cause: Wilkes-Barre Police Officer Chris Hardy was on patrol in the area of Academy Street and Davis Place on June 13. Police had already received several complaints regarding a male named Paul, described as wearing a powder blue North Carolina hat, white T-shirt and jean shorts, who was selling fake crack cocaine in the same area. Hardy spotted Lawson, who matched the description of the male wearing the same exact hat and clothing, loitering near South Franklin Street. The officer was involved in an encounter with Lawson, police said.” (07/17/08)