Pasco County, FLORIDA

Time to update the yearbooks.

Headline: "Former Pasco teacher charged with drug trafficking"

October 31, 2008 - William A. Napolitano, 49, was arrested at a traffic stop when the trooper noticed a small plastic bag of cocaine on the front seat of the car, according to an FHP report.

A search of the car revealed $13,000 in cash, 31 grams of cocaine, 2 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, including glass smoking pipes and butane torches, the release said. A female companion was also arrested. She had 36 grams of cocaine in her possession. With a street value of $50 a gram, the cocaine found on Napolitano and Lang is worth about $3,350.

Both were charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

CHARGED IN 1998 and 2004. Napolitano was charged in 1998 with soliciting a prostitute in Hillsborough County after authorities said he offered an undercover officer $15 for sex. He pleaded no contest on that charge. School superintendent John Long recommended he be fired after that arrest, but he kept his teaching job by agreeing to punitive and rehabilitative measures with the school district and state.

He was hired as boys track and cross country coach at Mitchell in 2000, earning recognition for his work. The Sunshine Athletic Conference and the Pasco Times both named him 2003 boys cross country Coach of the Year.

That same year, Napolitano was charged with soliciting a prostitute after authorities said he offered an undercover police officer $20 for oral sex.

He no longer works for the school district.

Trumann, ARKANSAS

October 30, 2008 - Police arrested Pam Bradsher, a Trumann Alternative School teacher, after she reportedly asked a 16-year-old student to obtain white Hydrochodone in exchange for Xana. The boy's mother contacted confronted the teacher and contacted police.

After an investigation, police arrested Bradsher. Charges will likely be delivery of a controlled substance and solicitation of a minor to commit a crime.

Dallas, TEXAS

Teacher Accused Of Driving & Smoking Crack

October 30, 2008 - Donald Johnson,, 47, a special education teacher at Molina High School, was charged with evading arrest and possession of cocaine after a slow speed chase by police. Police say during the pursuit, they could see Johnson smoking crack as he drove.

Johnson called 911 during the chase to report the police were chasing him. Police recovered drugs from his vehicle when the chase ended. Police used spike strips to blow out the car's tires. Officers used a taser to get Johnson out of the car, afraid that he had overdosed. Johnson was taken to a hospital by an ambulance for observation.

The Dallas Independent School District said it is reviewing the incident determine whether any action would be taken against the employee. Ya think?
Full Name: Donald Keith Johnson
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SCHOOL INFO: Moisés E. Molino High School rates a 4 (with 10 being the best) at GreatSchools.net. Test scores aren't thrilling in math or science. The school has 1993 students in grades 9-12.

We puzzled a bit over a link at the school website.
"Information to parents about cheese" (right hand column.) It turned out the link was to a warning about a black tar heroin and Tylenol PM mix with the street name of .. cheese.

Houston, TEXAS

Tipped off that someone was smoking marijuana behind the elementary school.

October 30, 2008 - Susan Michael, 51, a teacher at Whittier Elementary, was arrested after someone called into a tip line to report that someone was smoking marijuana behind the school.

Police took in drug dogs and got a hit on a car in the parking lot. After authorities got consent to search it, police found three rolled cigarettes with green leafy substance and a small amount of Hydrocodone in the car.

Michael was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance in a drug free zone.
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SCHOOL INFO: The school rates 3 (with 10 being the highest) at GreatSchools.net. Student population is 95% Hispanic and 3% White and 2% Black. Eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program = 87%. of the student population.

Breckenridge, TEXAS

October 28, 2008 - Arrested in a drug sting along with a dozen others were Dawn McDaniel, who teaches at South Elementary in Breckenridge, and her husband Michael Shaun McDaniel.

During the past 12 months the task force, while working in an undercover capacity, made numerous purchases of drugs from individuals throughout Eastland County, including methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana.

More arrests are expected in the following days.
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OTHER:
- The school rates a 4 (with 10 being highest) at GreatSchools.net
The school has 350 students in grades 4 to 6.
Google map of Breckenridge via GreatSchools.net
- Wikipedia entry for Breckenrige
- Location Stevens County

Splendora, TEXAS

October 9, 2008 - Elena Ducoing, 40, a first grade teacher at Greenleaf Elementary School in the Splendora Independent School District, was arrested, accused of trafficking drugs and money laundering. Ducoing was indicted Sept. 30.

Investigators believe she is linked to one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, Los Zetas Gulf Cartel. (Wikipedia entry.) Last month her husband, Roberto Munoz, 47, was arrested for his suspected role in the cartel. Investigators believe he was moving drugs in and out of the U.S. and laundering millions of dollars

Police found 10 pounds of marijuana and three grams, a money-counting machine, $2,300 in cash and other items used to package and transport money and drugs and 3 grams of cocaine in her possession. The drugs were found in the couple's master bedroom closet and garage. The couple have three children.

Members of the Los Zetas/Gulf Cartel are believed to be responsible for numerous murders, kidnappings and other violent crimes in Mexico and in the United States. The MCSO Special Investigative Unit began surveillance under the advice of the Drug Enforcement Administration and watched the couple for more than six months prior to the arrest.
Full Name: Elena Aranda Ducoing
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Conroe Courier News (Oct. 8)
SIU arrests Splendora teacher for drugs

Click2 Houston (Oct.9)
Teacher Accused Of Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering

Houston Chronicle (Oct. 9)
Splendora ISD teacher, husband arrested on drug charges

ABC 13 (Oct. 9)
Teacher arrested for alleged drug trafficking

Washington Times (Oct. 26)
FBI warns of drug cartel arming

USA Today (Oct 2)
9 bodies dumped near day care in Tijuana
About 30 people have been killed in drug-related violence in the past week in the border city, including what appeared to be the remains of two people stuffed in a barrel and dissolved with acid.

Guardian UK (Oct 5)
Drug cartel bloodbath on Mexican border claims 50 lives

Raleigh, MISSISSIPPI

October 22, 2008 - William Stewart, 55, a Raleigh Junior High School social studies teacher, was arrested and charged with possession and manufacture of marijuana.

He had been under surveillance since May when deputies noticed suspicious activity at his home.
Full Name: William Donald Stewart
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Comment at the story:
I actually had him last year for Advanced World Geography and I honestly didnt doubt it one bit when I heard the news. He had told our class what country to go to if we wanted to smoke it legally. I'm sorry but teachers are supposed to be setting an example of standing against drugs, NOT standing for them. I'm a member of the Teen Council this year and I'm definitely not for drugs. I agree with the comment below that says the teachers should be tested for drugs. I'm all for that! A class full of students shouldnt be in the possession of someone who is under the influence of drugs"! Drug tests should be required at least once a month for teachers in my opinion.

New London, CONNECTICUT

October 22, 2008 - Hired in August, Alison Sposato, 34, was arrested and charged with possession of crack cocaine and driving in possession of crack cocaine.

She is an English as a Second Language teacher at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School. According to Rhode Island court records, Sposato pleaded no contest and was sentenced to one year of probation in 1999 for simple assault and shoplifting.

She resigned. The district will inquire with its attorney on how best to strengthen its screening process to ensure the district does not hire people deemed unfit to work with children.

No public school in Connecticut does random drug testing. Most, including New London, do not do pre-employment testing which would most likely be a matter of negotiations with the teacher's union. (Be sure to read the comments at the story.)

Oct 23 - "Screening teachers for drugs"
Parents would like stricter hiring policies including drug testing. New London police, fire, and public works do pre-employment drug testing and are considering random testing.

Oct. 24 - The Day.com editorial, "Hiring concerns in teacher arrest"
QUOTE The district's application for teaching positions, posted on its Web site, requires applicants to reveal a criminal record if they have one and, if so, to provide details. School officials have not said whether Ms. Sposato answered the question honestly.

In this computer age, information on criminal histories is easily accessible. New London and all school districts must assure they have all the facts before hiring employees. UNQUOTE

Dinwiddie, VIRGINIA

How do you explain something like that to middle schoolers?

September 26, 2008 - Deborah Madison, 47, a Dinwiddie Middle School physical education teacher, will appear in court next month on a charge of possessing a residual amount of cocaine found in her car during a traffic stop.

She was arrested Sept. 16 after a Dinwiddie deputy sheriff found a smoking device in her car with a trace amount of cocaine. Among her duties at the school is to instruct students on the dangers of drugs, through a program called "Too Good for Drugs," officials said.

She has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the case.
Full Name: Deborah Stone Madison

Ansonia, CONNECTICUT

Connecticut Post: (Sept 22) - Man in Taser case faces drug charges
Police on June 23 used a Taser to subdue and handcuff Daniel Buzi, 26, an Ansonia High School English teacher, following his alleged use of hallucinogenic mushrooms. He allegedly went berserk after using hallucinogenic mushrooms, punched out a bedroom window and refused to comply with police. Two other men were arrested. Police found 20 grams of marijuana, 15 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms and drug paraphernalia.

September 26, 2008 - School officials did not notify parents of the arrest of Daniel Buzi.
He is scheduled to appear Oct. 7 in court.

Chico, CALIFORNIA

We thought it was an article from The Onion.

March 5, 2008 - A Hebrew teacher was arrested after police found 45 pounds of processed marijuana in her house. A student said she was a good teacher and more easy-going in her teaching style. She was the only instructor to teach conversational Hebrew.

From The Orion Online: Elaine Ilana Meiri, 42, was arrested Thursday and pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of possession of marijuana for sale, selling or transporting marijuana, child endangerment and three counts of possession of controlled substances.

Police found about 45 pounds of processed marijuana, packaging materials, computers, prescription medications, controlled substances and more than $4,500 in cash in her house, and a 12-year-old boy at the house was turned in to Child Protective Services. Police do not know Meiri's relationship to the child.

A search warrant was issued after a suspicious package was reported at a Chico UPS Store on Feb. 26, police said. The package allegedly contained more than three pounds of marijuana Meiri tried to send to Hawaii.

Denver Troyer, 56, who police said might be Meiri's roommate, was also arrested. Meiri and Troyer are being held until they can prove they did not use money from the sale of drugs to post bail.

The Orion is the student-run newspaper of the journalism department at Chico State University.
March 7 - Prosecutors agreed in court Thursday the money being used to post bond for a Chico State University instructor, charged with attempted sales of a large amount of marijuana, is legitimate. Prosecutors had agreed to postpone the pretrial hearing several weeks, but Troyer, who, like Meiri has pleaded not guilty to possession and sale of marijuana, refused to waive his right to a speedy hearing.

Meier's attorney is a tenured professor at Chico State.

BIZARRE SENTENCING September 26 - Meier was sentenced (sorta) to 180 days in jail - for 45 pounds of marijuana. The judge ordered her to write an essay about the hazards of the drug on the human body.
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She pleaded guilty August 7 to possession of marijuana.

Tampa, FLORIDA

September 24, 2008 - Wildalynn Harris, 23, a fourth grade teacher at Turner Elementary School, was arrested early Tuesday morning after police found her in a marijuana grow house.

She was arrested when police executed a search warrant at an apartment. They also arrested Shawn Crane, 24, who lives at the apartment. In the apartment, police found 16 marijuana plants and about 200 grams - or 7 ounces -of marijuana packaged for sale, authorities said.
Investigators also seized $6,225 cash, scales and packaging material.

Both were charged with cultivation of marijuana, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Harris taught at Hunter's Green Elementary School in 2007-08.

Walworth, WISCONSIN

Role Model #1917

September 25, 2008 - Katie Luessenhop, 26, a second grade teacher who started teaching in the district three weeks ago, was arrested for having cocaine on school property.

She was arrested around 8:30 at night on school property in the school's parking lot after police got a call about a disturbance.

She has taken an indefinite leave of absence. She will be back in court in October.

Port St. Lucie, FLORIDA

Role Model #6831

September 25, 2008 - Lynne Wilson, 41, a Treasure Coast High School teacher, is facing drug and theft charges after police say she stole several items from a local Wal-Mart, returned them to get a gift card and then used the card to buy several items including a Tim McGraw CD and a couple packs of highlighters.

Police say Wilson also had a small clear bag of cocaine wrapped in a gum wrapper in her back pocket when police stopped her. Investigators also turned up a clear straw with cocaine residue on it in her back pocket.

Security noticed she took the items off store shelves just minutes before she "returned" them.

Shillington, PENNSYLVANIA

She asked a student to help arrange a drug buy.

May 16, 2008 - Susan Siegel, 53, a long-term substitute teacher Governor Mifflin High School was arrested after she bought marijuana from an undercover Berks County detective in the parking lot of a Reading diner after arranging the deal with a student, investigators said today.

Detectives set up the deal after a male student reported that Siegel called him out into the hallway during the class Wednesday and asked if he could get her one-half ounce of marijuana.

Siegel said she would give him vodka for helping arrange the deal.

Siegel met the student in the diner parking lot Thursday about 4 p.m. and got into his car. An undercover detective got into the student’s car and sold Siegel the drug for $100.

PRELIMINARY WAIVED June 13 - Siegel waived a hearing in a court appearance this morning. She was charged with possessing marijuana and furnishing alcohol to minors.

According to Berks County detectives:

Siegel, a substitute business teacher, called the 18-year-old male student out into the hallway during class on May 14 and asked if he could get her a half-ounce of marijuana.
Siegel also sent text messages to the student’s cell phone later that day and the following day, pressing him to arrange a deal.

Siegel, who had been teaching the class for about a month, offered to give the student vodka for helping get the drug.

FIRED Siegel was fired by the Gov. Mifflin School Board.
Full Name: Susan Marie Siegel

TT - Firing a substitute is easier and less complicated than firing a teacher who is represented by a teachers union and has contractual protections under a labor contract.
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TT - Berks County. As of July 4, 2008, the case was active and shows a trial date is scheduled for October 27, 2008.
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GUILTY PLEA & SENTENCING September 19 - Siegel pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and furnishing alcohol to a minor. She was sentenced (kinda) to one year of probation and a $200 fine.

Easton, PENNSYLVANIA

Headline: Pot bust snares rapper and teacher

April 12, 2008 - Tyson Scott, 33, a seventh-grade teacher at Easton Area Academy was arrested along with another man in New Jersey for marijuana possession.

Both men were charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute, but police could not confirm whether they suspected both men were dealing drugs or whether they were making an exchange between themselves.

The second man was identified as Adrian Reed, 32, who was arrested on suspicion of dealing marijuana three years ago. Police found the drug after a motor vehicle stop. Police patrols were providing extra security for nearby developments.

Reportedly, Reed is a part-time rapper and Scott, moonlights as an independent music producer, according to Jessica Rissmiller, who has two children with Reed. Scott runs an independent music production label called Fourth Down Productions.

Scott previously worked at the Shawnee Middle School. Easton Area Academy is an alternative education school. Inexplicably, Scott is the onl y teacher without a web page.

IT'S A PERSONNEL MATTER April 15 - The school board has not suspended Scott. They are gathering more information.

"We need to follow due process," said Alan McFall, Easton Area School District solicitor.

Acting Superintendent Joseph Kish could not comment on what the district's investigation entails or whether there is any indication Scott used or possessed drugs on school property.

"The Easton Area School District is conducting an investigation into the incident," he said. "This is a personnel matter. I have no further comment."

TT - Translation: It's none of your business if he used or possessed drugs on school property. Talk about arrogance.

PLEA DEAL REJECTED June 13 - Scott rejected a plea bargain Thursday calling for a 90-day jail sentence.

The plea bargain called on Scott to plead guilty to third-degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Charges of second-degree possession with intent to distribute the drug within 500 feet of a public housing project in Phillipsburg and possession of marijuana would have been dropped.

Warren County Assistant Prosecutor Tara Kirkendall increased the plea offer to 180 days in jail after Scott rejected the lesser offer through his attorney.

The case will now go to the grand jury. Scott remains suspended with pay, a status that will likely not change until he appears before the grand jury.

GUILTY PLEA July 3 - Scott pleaded guilty to a third-degree charge of possessing and intending to distribute marijuana. As part of his plea bargain, Scott will receive probation and will undergo a drug evaluation. He's scheduled to be sentenced October 17.

This bit is amusing. Termination is mandatory, except, except... :

"His job status has changed as a result of his guilty plea," said Alan McFall, Easton Area School District solicitor.

The school code states any employee convicted of such charges is subject to mandatory termination of employment, McFall said.

Scott will have the right to a school board hearing if he requests one, or could contest the action by filing a grievance with his union, McFall said. Scott also would have the option of resigning.

SENTENCED Scott was sentenced Friday to 60 days in jail - not prison - and two years' probation on a charge. He was given credit for two days served.

On the Oprah.com Oprah Winfrey Show community page, Scott in June wrote that he thought he was passing along not a half-pound of marijuana, but a plastic bag full of bootlegged DVDs and CDs. He added that the $875 police found on him was his rent money.

He detailed his tough childhood in Asbury Park, his accomplishment as the first member of his family to go to college and his letter to prosecutors maintaining, "I am not a criminal, drug dealer, or drug runner. I just thought I was doing a favor for a friend or somone (sic) who I thought was my friend."

"I want to first apologize for making an egregious error in putting myself in this position in the first place," he wrote.

Rockville, MARYLAND

"But honestly this comes at a total surprise."

September 3, 2008 - Theresa Duarte, 44, an English teacher at Thomas S. Wooten High School, was arrested Aug. 25 and charged with two counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and two counts of contributing to conditions of a child.

Duarte resigned in mid-June. The investigation did not begin until after her resignation, police said. The investigation began on Aug. 19, after county Child Protective Services officials said they had received information that Duarte was providing illegal drugs to Wootton students

Police are continuing to investigate the accusations, and believe more students may have been involved.
Full Name: Theresa Cunningham Duarte

Caledonia, MICHIGAN

August 27, 2008 - Anthony Marsiglia, 29, a fifth grade teacher at Dutton Elementary School, was placed on paid administrative leave after being arraigned for felony possession of cocaine.

Kent County sheriff's deputies arrested Marsiglia and Kevin Wright, 29, on Aug. 17 at Wright's Ada Township residence. Deputies were responding to a loud music complaint. Wright allowed police inside, where they spotted cocaine and drug paraphernalia on a table, Lt. Kevin Kelley said. Wright also is charged with possession of less than 25 grams of cocaine. He also posted a $10,000 bond.

If convicted, Marsiglia would be fired under Michigan's 2-year-old school safety legislation.

POSSIBLE PLEA September 9 - The Grand Rapids Press reports that there may be a plea deal in the works. On Monday, both men waived their rights to a preliminary hearing in 63rd District Court, sending the cases against them to Kent County Circuit Court.

Assistant Prosecutor Michelle Smith-Lowe told District Judge Sara Smolenski that she has discussed the possibility of guilty pleas with attorneys representing Marsiglia and Wright.

In exchange for the pleas, Smith-Lowe said she would not object to either defendant being considered for probation under a section of the Controlled Substance Act. Charges would be dismissed if probation is not violated, Smith-Lowe said.

Culpeper, VIRGINIA

GRAND JURY DISMISSED CHARGE

June 3, 2008 - Michele Auville, 35, a a first-grade teacher at Emerald Hill Elementary School, was arrested and charged with alleged possession of a schedule 1 or 2 drug May 31 after they pulled over a car she was riding in.

She was a passenger in a car that tried to elude police, according to the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies discovered that Auville had a smoking device with crack residue. The driver of the car fled on foot but was captured.
Full Name: Michele Lynne Auville

June 4 - Auville resigned on Monday.

June 11 - Auville’s case will return to General District Court July 17 at 9:30 a.m.

GRAND JURY DISMISSES CHARGE August 20 - A grand jury on Monday dismissed a felony drug charge against Auville.

The circumstances behind the grand jury’s decision will not be disclosed, as all testimony in such proceedings is secret. Court records, however, indicate that prosecutors were unable to definitively link the pipe to Auville.

According to a Certificate of Analysis from the Department of Forensic Science, Auville’s fingerprints were not found on the pipe, which police say was in her vicinity when she got out of the car. And based on a blood test, a separate report indicates that Auville did not have any illegal drugs in her system, A third report however, confirmed that the residue present in the pipe was cocaine.

During the July hearing, the judge rejected a motion from Auville’s defense attorney to strike the case. Smith had argued that because several people were in the vicinity of where the pipe was found, proving possession would be difficult.

GRAND JURY DISMISSED CHARGE

Shafter, CALIFORNIA

Convicted of manufacturing a controlled substance in his school lab

Dec 4, 2007 - Jeff Scheidemantel, 32, a chemistry teacher at Shafter High School, was arrested allegedly trying to make methamphetamine in his school lab.

His arrest came after a month long investigation by a joint task force made up of local and federal agencies.

Authorities found meth recipes and several guns during a raid at his home. And in the chemistry lab, officials say they found several ingredients that show Scheidemantel was already in the process of making the drug.

Scheidemantel has worked for the Kern High School District twice. He was recently hired in 2006 at Shafter High. Before that, he worked for the district in 2003 to 2004.
Full Name: Jeff Ryan Scheidemantel

Scheidemantel is on paid administrative leave.

Bakersfield Californian: Teacher caught in meth plot
KERO ch 23: Police Say: Teacher Arrested For Making Meth In Classroom
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LOCATION : Shafter is 17 miles NW of Bakersfield, California. With a population of 14,887. According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the San Joaquin Valley has become a center for methamphetamine manufacture. "Meth labs" can be large clandestine laboratories in rural areas or small kitchen sink labs in apartment buildings.
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A news release is not yet online from the Bakersfield Police.

NOT GUILTY PLEA Feb 9, 2008 - Scheidemantel was in court on Friday. He pleaded not guilty.

PRELIMINARY March 13 - A Kern County Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday there wasn't enough evidence to sustain a charge of making meth, but ordered the teacher to stand trial for one count of possession with intent to manufacture the drug.

MOTIONS May 21 Scheidemantel's attorney wants the search warrant and much of the evidence thrown out. A judge will rule on the motion in writing.

TRIAL August 12 - Scheidemantel went on trial Tuesday. The website from which Scheidemantel is accused of purchasing controlled chemicals was created and operated by law enforcement officers.

According to police, Scheidemantel acknowledged that he extracted a chemical used to make meth from decongestant tablets, but said he planned to use it in his Shafter High chemistry class. The trial is expected to last through the end of next week.

A previous story reported that he was apparently writing a story in which the lead character, a teacher at a Catholic high school, shoots and kills students in class during a dream sequence, according to Sheriff’s Department reports filed in Kern County Superior Court.

Three handguns and a shotgun were seized from Scheidemantel’s residence at the time of his arrest.

GUILTY VERDICT August 19 - A jury convicted Scheidemantel of manufacturing a controlled substance, a felony. A second count of possession material with intent to manufacture methamphetamine was dismissed. Sentencing is set for Sept. 25
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TT - The juries in the Bakersfield area are tougher and smarter than the media gives them credit for. In two major trials, the local paper became a virtual cheerleading section for the defense, trying desperately to obfuscate the facts. In Scheidemantel's case it was the mantra, "no metham-phetamine was found."

Dominic Dunne might wryly observe: A science teacher, a science lab, illegal chemicals, an area where methamphetamine is more common than chili con carne and a defense that the phosphorus was for a class project making matches. Come on, how dumb do you have to be to be unable to connect the dots???

But the local newspaper seemed unable to make the leap just as they had not been able to in the murder trial of Vincent Brothers, the 45-year-old vice principal who shot to death his wife, his three children (ages 2, 4 and 6 weeks), and his mother-in-law. Jurors convicted him despite a Los Angeles-like trial with 150 motions and dozens of preposterous story lines.
TT entry for Brothers.

That case barely made it to the news wires, either.

SENTENCING DELAYED September 26 - Sentencing was delayed while the judge considers a motion for a new trial.

NEW TRIAL DENIED Oct 10 - Judge William Palmer rejected a request for a new trial for a Shafter chemistry teacher convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine. He will be sentenced October 16.