A second-grade teacher at a Virginia elementary school was arrested Thursday after a school resource officer discovered she was high on drugs in her classroom.
The school resource officer at Spotswood Elementary School in Fredericksburg discovered that Candyce Leigh Carter, 35, appeared to be under the influence of drugs at school. Further investigation revealed suspected narcotics in her classroom, authorities said.
Carter, a Spotsylvania resident, was arrested on one felony count of possession of schedule I/II narcotics, one felony count of child endangerment and one felony count of child neglect or abuse, the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office said. .
KENTUCKY SCHOOL BUS TIPS ON ITS SIDE WITH 23 CHILDREN INSIDE
Candyce Leigh Carter, 35, of Spotsylvania, Virginia, was arrested after appearing under the influence of suspected narcotics in her second grade classroom at Spotswood Elementary School on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office)
During the incident, Carter's husband was found in the school parking lot in a vehicle, also under the suspected influence of narcotics, and required medical attention, police said.
According to police, a 2-year-old boy was found in the vehicle with her husband, identified as Kristopher Donald Carter, 34, also of Spotsylvania. He was arrested on one felony count of child endangerment and one felony count of child neglect or abuse, authorities said.
Both Carters have been incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. Candyce Carter is being held without bail. Kristopher Carter is in jail on $5,000 bail.
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION BEGINS FORMAL RULE-MAKING PROCESS TO DEGRADE MARIJUANA TO A LESS DANGEROUS DRUG
Kristopher Donald Carter, 34, of Spotsylvania, Virginia, was arrested on Thursday, May 16, 2024 for being under the suspected influence of narcotics in the parking lot of Spotswood Elementary School. (Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office)
“No students reported injuries or exposure, but they were examined by medical personnel out of an abundance of caution and the classroom was professionally cleaned,” the sheriff's office said.
Spotsylvania Social Services and school administration assisted the sheriff's office with the arrest.
In a statement, Spotsylvania County School Board member Lisa Phelps thanked authorities for their efforts, FOX 5 DC reported.
US CAPITOL POLICE FIND BAG OF COCAINE IN 'HIGH TRAFFIC' HALLWAY OF WASHINGTON, DC HEADQUARTERS
Spotsylvania County Public Schools officials said the school takes matters of alleged personal conduct “very seriously” and thanked authorities for their efforts. (jhorrocks/iStock)
“I am grateful that the children of Spotsylvania County have not been affected by drugs through direct contact. I know that drugs are present in our schools, both in adults and children. I have expressed my concerns publicly at meetings from the school board, repeatedly,” Phelps told FOX 5 DC.
“It seems like there is no difference from any other school that we often see in the news. I think the difference between when you attended the school and now is the presence of fentanyl. Your child, your spouse, your friend may not have a second chance at life if exposed to fentanyl,” he added.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Spotsylvania County Public Schools takes all reports of alleged staff misconduct very seriously and follows applicable district policies and procedures in responding to and investigating complaints,” School Board President Lorita Daniels said in a statement. a statement to FOX 5 DC. “The district appreciates the quick action of our Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Department. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that all students and staff remain safe while in our schools.”
