Newport, KENTUCKY

Nov 10, 2006 - Long-time Newport school board member Jim Hesch, 47, and his wife, Helen, 47, an English teacher at Newport Middle School, were arrested on charges of third-degree unlawful transaction with a minor as part of an on-going investigation into the use of drugs in their Grandview home.

Previously, Brandon Hall, a teacher at Newport Middle School was arrested after being videotaped smoking marijuana with students who were seen partying at the Hesch home. In addition, Bonnie M. Cioffi, 34, and her son were arrested in connection with the case. How it relates to the case is not known at this time.

HALL SENTENCED - May 30, 2007 - Hall was sentenced May 30 to three years' probation, drug and alcohol tests and participate in any recommended counseling. TT entry for Hall.

UPDATE Feb 22, 2007 - As the Cincinnati Enquirer notes, the Hesch trials are continuing. Meanwhile, she is still suspended with pay. He still serves on the school board.
[TT entry for Brandon Hall.]

PLEA AGREEMENT Feb 27 - The Hesches reached a plea agreement so that successfully complete a diversion program, they can have charges of drug paraphernalia possession and unlawful transaction with minors dropped.

The couple will also have to successfully complete 100 hours of community service, including speaking at schools and avoiding teen alcohol use and telling parents about their story and how to avoid the same scenarios.
[TT - Our view is that they should never be allowed inside a school again, let alone lecturing teenagers and parents.]

As part of the plea agreement, Mr. Hesch will have to resign from the school board by July 1 and Mrs. Hesch will have to quit her job immediately. If all of these stipulations are met, the charges will be dismissed in a year.

CHARGES DISMISSED April 1, 2008 - Campbell County’s Judge Gregory Popovich dismissed the case against Jim and Helen Hesch, a Newport School Board member and middle school teacher, because they complied with orders to complete a diversion program.

As a result of the publicity, Jim Hesch had to resign his position as Newport School board member and Helen Hesch had to resign her position as a Newport Middle School teacher.

There was no stipulation that the judge made Monday, Blau said, that the two cannot teach or be involved with another school system.