Gainesville police have found another economic indicator of how tough things have gotten financially.

Gainesville police have found another economic indicator of how tough things have gotten financially.

A man accused of dealing in crack told officers on Tuesday night that he has been cooking up fake crack and selling it instead of the real thing because �times are hard right now.�

Louis B. Williams, 42, of 2830 NE 41st St., who also uses the name Lewis Williams, was arrested for sale of possession with intent to sell counterfeit drugs.

Officer Brett Kikendall said he stopped Williams at 100 SE 13th St. to talk to him about why he may have been standing in the middle of the street while there was traffic in the area. Kikendall said he saw a small, thin stick � similar to those used to clear crack pipes � tucked over Williams� right ear.

Kikendall said that, when Williams was asked if he had any drugs or weapons on him, Williams reportedly told police that he had a crack pipe in one pants pocket as well as fake crack he cooked up using baking soda and candle wax that he intended to sell as cocaine.

In the arrest report, Kikendall said Williams �stated spontaneously that he sells the fake crack because �times are hard right now.� �

Williams was being held at the Alachua County jail on Wednesday.