(ANGOLA) - An Angola High School teacher was arrested Friday after two students reportedly consumed THC edibles found on her desk, according to the Steuben County Sheriff's Office.
Debra McGillem, 49, Reading, was booked into the Steuben County Jail on two Level 6 felony charges -- neglect of a dependent/child and possession of a controlled substance -- along with a Class C misdemeanor charge of operating while intoxicated.
McGillem, a language arts teacher at Angola High School since 2017, may be arraigned in Steuben Magistrate Court today, Monday, November 17.
The Sheriff's Office says a school resource deputy learned Thursday that two students had eaten THC gummies during the last class period of the day. The students reported they were unaware the candy contained THC when they ate it. The candy was reportedly out in the open inside the classroom.
Authorities say the edibles were brought to school by McGillem, and additional food items suspected of containing THC were later found in her possession.
Detectives interviewed the students and McGillem, who had driven herself to the Sheriff's Office. During the interview, investigators observed signs leading them to believe she had operated a vehicle while impaired. She was subsequently taken into custody.
Superintendent Matt Widenhoefer notified district families Friday evening, saying the Metropolitan School District of Steuben County had launched an internal investigation and would take "appropriate disciplinary action" in line with policy and law.
The Sheriff's Office also notified the Indiana Department of Child Services. If convicted on all charges, McGillem faces up to six years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.