Surveillance video from a Houston courthouse shows an unusual moment involving a man already headed to court on a separate charge.
Gerald Earl, 38, was standing in line at a security checkpoint inside the Harris County Criminal Justice Center on Friday morning when a small bag reportedly slipped out of his pants. The footage shows Earl adjusting and shaking his loose-fitting striped pants several times before the item drops to the floor. He appeared not to notice and continued forward in line.
Authorities later shared the clip publicly, noting that courthouse security screens millions of visitors each year for prohibited items, including drugs and weapons. According to officials, the dropped bag contained marijuana.
Court records indicate Earl was found with up to four ounces of the substance and was charged with misdemeanor possession.
At the time of the incident, Earl was already facing legal trouble. He had an outstanding warrant related to an earlier theft allegation. Prosecutors say that days before, he had taken several household items, including toiletries and kitchen utensils.
He was charged with misdemeanor theft in that case. After his arrest at the courthouse, he was released on Sunday after posting a $100 bond. He is scheduled to return to court later this week.