Nicholas Brendon, a "Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alum, is facing felony charges in Indiana. He is accused of illegally obtaining prescription drugs and misleading officers about his identity.
In recent years, the 50-year old, who played the role of Xander Harris, a loyal friend, has been in several legal issues. The latest resulted in his arrest last week, which produced a bizarre mug shot photo.
According to the Terre Haute police officer's probable reason affidavit, obtained Tuesday by The Times, Brendon was stopped Aug. 18 when officers observed him driving his silver Dodge Journey erratically. According to the affidavit, Brendon appeared nervous because he was sweating profusely and had a racing pulse and was shaking his hands when he was stopped.
Officers were provided with a California ID by Kelton Schultz, which the actor of "Criminal Minds", initially claimed to be his name. Later, they found a bottle containing the prescribed amphetamine pills in Schultz's pocket. Officers ran the license and found that Nicholas Bender was the Idaho warrant. He has the same birthdate as Schultz.
Nicholas Brendon Schultz was the actor. He has a twin brother, Kelly Donovan.
The affidavit stated that police discovered a small bag containing crystal/powder residue, which officers believed to be meth or cocaine while searching Brendon’s car. Another pill bottle containing medication prescribed for Bender was also found by the officer. The affidavit stated that several trim pieces of the car were damaged or altered and that the carpeting had been cut in multiple places. There were also suspicious marks on multiple screws.
K-9 officers searched the vehicle and found more plastic bags containing residue, but no other contraband. They also discovered another prescription for Schultz to take amphetamine salts a day earlier.
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Brendon replied that he was "Hey Nick", and the officers asked why he had lied about his name. Brendon claimed that he had a twin brother and that they both have the same prescription. They also said that they often fill it together.
Officers suspected that Brendon was using the pills, or selling them. He also used his brother's ID or a fake one to get more. Brendon finally gave his real name and the corresponding Social Security Number and was taken into Vigo County Jail.
According to online jail records, he was released later that same day.
After only five months of marriage, the actor has been through a series of legal problems and difficulties. He was also arrested and split from his wife in 2015. He was previously arrested for grand theft and resisting arrest, battery on a peace officer, and criminal mischief. This led to him being raped in California, Idaho and Florida, as well as New York. In 2015, he famously left "Dr. Phil", claiming that he had been suffering from depression and substance abuse issues.
After allegedly assaulting his girlfriend in a Palm Springs hotel, Brendon made a plea agreement last year. According to the Desert Sun, Brendon was given three years probation and a 52-week domestic violence program. He also received 20 hours community service. The felony charge for inflicting corporal injuries on a spouse was dropped to misdemeanor household battery.
His next court date is Dec. 12 in Indiana.
This story first appeared in Los Angeles Times.
