An Indiana high school teacher is facing preliminary criminal charges after allegedly leaving THC-infused gummies in her classroom — treats that two students reportedly mistook for ordinary candy, according to law enforcement.
The incident came to light on Friday, Nov. 14, when the school resource deputy at Angola High School in Angola, Ind., learned that two students had consumed THC edibles the previous day during their last class period, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on Facebook.
According to investigators, the students did not realize the candy contained THC. The gummies were reportedly “out in the open” inside the classroom.
Authorities allege that the edibles were brought in by Debra L. McGillem, 49, of Reading, Mich., a language arts teacher at the school. Additional food items believed to contain THC were also found in her possession, the sheriff’s office stated.
After driving to the sheriff’s office for questioning, investigators say observations led them to believe McGillem had operated a vehicle while impaired. She was subsequently taken into custody and booked into the Steuben County Jail on preliminary felony charges of neglect of a dependent and possession of a controlled substance on school property. She also faces a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
McGillem was held on a $6,500 bond and remained in custody through at least Saturday.
In a statement shared Friday night on Facebook, Metropolitan School District of Steuben County Superintendent Matthew Widenhoefer confirmed the arrest and said the district has launched an internal investigation. “Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with district policy and applicable law,” he wrote.
Following the news of her arrest, some students publicly defended McGillem. One senior commented on Facebook that she had been “the best teacher in that school by far,” urging others to remember that “people make mistakes.”
It has not yet been confirmed whether McGillem has retained legal representation.
