A language arts teacher in Indiana has been taken into police custody after two of her students accidentally consumed cannabis-infused gummies that were allegedly left in plain sight within her classroom.
Incident Details and Police Response
The alarming situation unfolded at Angola High School on Thursday, during the students' final lesson. Two unsuspecting pupils ate what they believed were ordinary sweets, unaware the products contained THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis.
The Steuben County Sheriff's Office initiated its investigation on Friday morning after being alerted by a school resource deputy. Police reports confirmed the edibles were 'out in the open' inside the classroom, leading the students to consume them unintentionally.
Teacher Charged and Additional Evidence Found
Authorities quickly identified the teacher involved as 49-year-old Debra McGillem. Following her arrest, officers discovered more suspected THC gummies in her possession.
Ms McGillem now confronts serious criminal charges, including neglect of a dependent, possession of a controlled substance, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. She was transported to the sheriff's office and remains in jail after a bond was set at $6,500.
School and Community Reaction
The school district addressed concerned parents through an official Facebook post, stating they were aware a staff member had been booked into the Steuben County Jail. The district has initiated an internal investigation and promised that 'appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with district policy and applicable law.'
Despite the serious allegations, some students have voiced support for their teacher. One senior, Josh Carroll, defended Ms McGillem on social media, calling her 'the best teacher in that school by far' and urging people to remember that everyone makes mistakes.
The incident has raised significant concerns about school safety and the presence of controlled substances on educational premises, prompting both criminal and internal school proceedings.
