
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, October 16, 1993                   TAG: 9310160173
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: NORFOLK                                LENGTH: Short

PEPSI `NEEDLE' WOMAN JAILED

A woman who said she found needle fragments in a Diet Pepsi can has been placed in custody because she could be a danger to a grand jury witness who testified against her.

Tobbie E. Shoemo, 30, was ordered held without bail Thursday by U.S. Magistrate Tommy E. Miller. She was indicted Wednesday on charges of making false claims, obstructing justice and threatening a witness.

The whole thing began as a copycat hoax, prosecutor Michael Smythers said. "She continued to dig a hole for herself by threatening a witness who was beginning to cooperate."

In June, Shoemo swore under oath to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that she found needle fragments in a 12-ounce can of Diet Pepsi bought at a Norfolk store.

When the FBI began investigating, Shoemo allegedly instructed a friend to tell authorities, "You played a joke on me. If you don't, I'll go to jail." She also allegedly warned the friend that she once shot a former husband, and "I can do it again."

In September, after the friend had been called to appear before a federal grand jury, Shoemo allegedly said, "When I come out of jail, I can find you wherever you go, and wipe out your family."

- Associated Press

by CNB