LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE/Gray News) — A Texas man, Avante Nicholson, is facing serious charges after allegedly hiding marijuana inside plastic Easter eggs and placing them in public areas as part of a “scavenger hunt” on Easter Sunday.
Nicholson, who is still being sought by Lufkin police, is accused of planting the eggs in three parks and behind a Motel 6. Police discovered the scheme after reviewing Nicholson’s Facebook posts, which contained multiple photos of the eggs, along with hints to their locations. Nicholson also made several references to selling narcotics, with posts stating that those who “shopped” with him on Easter would receive clues about the egg locations.
Authorities were able to recover four of the five eggs, which collectively contained more than a quarter of an ounce of marijuana. The fifth egg was discovered the day after Easter by a man and his granddaughter in a local park, who then turned it in to the police.
Lufkin police have issued four warrants for Nicholson’s arrest. Three of the warrants are for third-degree felony charges of delivering marijuana in a drug-free zone, while the fourth is for a state jail felony charge of marijuana delivery.
“This case serves as a reminder of why it’s essential to take every piece of information seriously,” said Lufkin Police Chief David Thomas. “At first, it may seem unbelievable that someone would distribute drugs in this way, but follow-up investigations show that even the most unusual situations can happen. The safety of our community is always our top priority, and we are especially vigilant when children are involved.”
Nicholson remains at large, and police are continuing to search for him. The incident highlights the lengths some individuals will go to in order to distribute illegal substances, even using innocent-seeming schemes like an Easter egg hunt.
