NM man accused of handing out semen-tainted yogurt

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A New Mexico man indicted on charges that he handed out yogurt samples tainted with semen at a grocery store has made his initial appearance in federal court.

Anthony Garcia was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury on charges of adulterating food and making false statements to federal investigators. He made his first court appearance Thursday.

The 32-year-old Garcia remains in custody pending a detention hearing Friday. He has not yet entered a plea, and it wasn't immediately clear who his appointed attorney would be.

Garcia is accused of handing out tainted yogurt samples at a Sunflower Market in Albuquerque in January.

Officers responded after a woman called to report an employee had given her what she was told was a yogurt sample. The woman told police she believed it was actually a bodily fluid.

Police say they tested the yogurt and found semen. They say they linked it to Garcia using DNA.