Boy Beats Burglary Rap Due To Bad Reaction To Adderall

Earlier this month a young boy named Semaj Booker beat a burglary rap after a judge ruled that the boy couldn't tell the difference between right and wrong. Semaj is 11 years old and apparently suffered a loss of contact with reality due to Adderall.

"A number of people have testified in the hearing, including, Dr. Michael Comte, on whom the defense called as an expert.

"Comte, based on his evaluation of the defendant, told the court Semaj was 'unable to form the requisite mental capacity to "intend" to commit a crime,' according to court documents. Comte said Semaj did cause damage to the property, but did so without the intent to commit a crime.

"The psychologist argued Semaj was in a disassociative state as a result of insomnia and/or reaction to his ADHD medication, Adderall, which could cause amphetamine toxicity as a side effect. The mere fact that Semaj was awake at 4 a.m. on the morning of July 5 supports this, Comte said."

No kidding. One of the oddest kids and meds stories I've heard in ages.

I know a few of you will wonder what the hell I am doing printing the boy's name. The reality is that Semaj is well-known, by name: two years ago, aged 9, he walked out of his home on his own, caught a bus to Sea-Tac International, got past TSA security without a boarding pass or ticket (nice security), and was only nabbed as he tried to board a flight. The story was all over the news locally and nationally, as was Semaj again a few months later when he pulled the same trick again. His mom even went on "Inside Edition" to discuss her son (one wonders why).

It's not clear if he was taking Adderall or some other ADHD med during his attempted fly-boy days. Of course, there may be more going on here than meds-problems:

"Comte also listed a number of adverse childhood traumas that may attribute to Semaj's cognition and impulse control, including fetal alcohol exposure in utero, predisposition to acute mental illness and repeated physical abuse and neglect. Court documents state Semaj was hospitalized at least once as a result of corporal punishment inflicted by his mother."

Why is he still living with his mother? It's one thing to spank a kid, it's quite another to knock them into a hospital. Poor kid is getting it from all sides.