Oneida County prosecutors have changed charges against a Rhinelander businessman.

John Hildebrand was previously facing 16 charges related to the sale of bath salts. At a hearing yesterday, the prosecution dismissed the charges and replaced them with distributing hazardous substances.

The chemistry in ‘bath salts,’ a designer drug, is constantly evolving, and the substance seized did not test positive for anything on the list of controlled substance.

At prior hearings, defense attorney David Penn said it was unclear at the time of sale whether the substances were illegal under law at that time. Oneida County District Attorney Michael Bloom said they’re just as dangerous, and still illegal.

Hildebrand will now face 7 felony charges related to the sale of a hazardous substance and will be back in court again on June 16.