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Woman facing drunk-driving charges fails drug test

12:22 AM EDT on Tuesday, May 6, 2008

By Katie Mulvaney

Journal Staff Writer

SOUTH KINGSTOWN — A Superior Court judge yesterday ordered the woman the police say was driving drunk last year when she hit a teenager changing a tire to surrender her license after her urine tested positive for amphetamines.

In addition, Judge Stephen P. Nugent demanded Heidi Harrall submit to a urine screening immediately after learning she had missed two tests in the last few weeks.

“This isn’t acceptable,” Nugent said, adding “Frankly, I’m this close to locking her up.”

The police say Harrall’s 1994 Audi was traveling 90 mph on Route 1, when it struck Sylvia M. Bogusz, then 17, as she waited on the side of the road for her mother to help her with a flat tire last June 23.

Bogusz suffered broken bones in her pelvis, vertebrae and right arm and leg, as well as a head injury. Bogusz, now 18, was hospitalized for months and continues to undergo rehabilitation.

A Washington County grand jury indicted Harrall, 45, of 24 Westside Road in March of driving under the influence and driving to endanger. She pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains free on $10,000 cash bail. She was ordered to undergo substance-abuse counseling and refrain from using drugs or alcohol as conditions of her bail.

Harrall surrendered her license to the court. Nugent denied a request that she be allowed to drive home, saying he was troubled that her urine tested positive for amphetamines one week after she attended her first group session for substance abuse on April 11.

“No driving,” Nugent said.

Michael J. Healey, spokesman for the attorney general’s office, said Harrall’s urine test yesterday was positive for amphetamines only.

Robert Mann said after yesterday’s court appearance that Harrall, his client, had a prescription for the amphetamines, but would not be more specific.

“We know Bob Mann to be an honorable attorney,” Healey said. “With respect to him representing that she has a prescription, we don’t question it.”

Healey added: “Obviously, we appreciate the court’s diligence in assuring she lives up to the bail promises she agreed to.”

Harrall is due to return to Washington County Superior Court for review Monday. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Mark Trovato.

kmulvane@projo.com