Lab tech found drunk with monkeys loose

• Tweet

AUGUSTA, Ga., Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Authorities in Georgia have arrested a lab technician who was found drunk and partially nude with two monkeys running loose out of their cages.

Coley Oneal Mitchell, 32, was found drunk and partially clothed in the Georgia Health Sciences University Lab Animal Services Technician locker room Monday while two monkeys were loose and unsupervised in the locked Animals Services Lab, WJBF-TV, Augusta, Ga., reported Tuesday.

Mitchell was charged with public drunkenness by GHSU police officers and turned over to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

A school representative said the monkeys were not harmed.

"No animals were harmed during the incident, but the university takes the allegations very seriously. GHSU does not condone behavior that conflicts with the research, education and clinical missions of the university and employees are expected to conduct themselves, at all times, with integrity and respect," the representative said in a statement.