(ANGOLA) - An Angola High School teacher faces charges after two students allegedly ate THC edibles that belonged to the teacher. The report states the drugs were consumed inside a classroom at Angola High School. Debra McGillem, 49, of Reading, has been charged with Level 6 felony Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 felony Possession of a Controlled Substance on School Property, and a Class C misdemeanor charge of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. The two students reportedly had eaten candy the previous afternoon during their last class of the day. According to detectives, the students did not know the candy contained THC and that the candy was left out in the classroom. Further investigation determined the candy had been brought to school by McGillem. Detectives say other food items suspected of containing THC were later found in McGillem?s possession. Both students and McGillem were interviewed by deputies. During McGillem?s interview at the Sheriff?s Office, officers observed signs that led them to believe she had driven there while impaired.
McGillem was taken into custody and booked into the Steuben County Jail on preliminary charges. The Sheriff?s Office says the case remains under investigation, and a report has been forwarded to the Indiana Department of Child Services.
MSD of Steuben County Superintendent Matt Widenhoefer released a statement on Friday acknowledging a staff member had been arrested, and the district is conducting its own investigation. He added that disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with school policy.