A second-grade teacher in Virginia faces serious charges after being apprehended with suspected narcotics in her classroom. The incident, which unfolded at Spotswood Elementary School, raised alarms about student safety and the prevalence of dangerous substances in educational settings.
A Virginia elementary school teacher has been arrested and charged with drug-related offenses after being discovered under the influence of suspected narcotics in her classroom. Candyce Leigh Carter, a second-grade teacher at Spotswood Elementary School in Fredericksburg, was apprehended by the school resource officer on Thursday, May 16, following an investigation that uncovered suspected narcotics within her classroom.
Carter's arrest has sparked concerns about student safety and the potential for drug exposure within school environments. According to authorities, the incident did not result in any reported injuries or exposure among students, but all students were examined by medical personnel as a precautionary measure.
Further investigation by the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office revealed the presence of a 2-year-old child in a vehicle with Carter's husband, 34-year-old Kristopher Donald Carter. Kristopher Carter was also found under the suspected influence of narcotics in the school parking lot and was arrested for felony child endangerment and felony child neglect or abuse.
Both Candyce and Kristopher Carter were incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail. Candyce Carter is being held without bond, while Kristopher Carter's bond is set at $5,000.
In a statement, Spotsylvania County School Board member Lisa Phelps expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their prompt response and emphasized the gravity of the situation. She acknowledged the presence of drugs in schools and voiced her concerns about the potential presence of fentanyl, a highly dangerous synthetic opioid.
School district officials stated that they take all reports of alleged personal misconduct very seriously and that they will continue to work diligently to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The incident has highlighted the importance of vigilance and collaboration between schools and law enforcement agencies to address the issue of drug use in educational settings. Parents and community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or concerns about potential drug involvement.
