Nationwide — Virginia Somers, a 47-year-old teacher at Westdale Middle School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was arrested after authorities said she was caught with cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia during a random search on campus.
The search took place on Tuesday, September 16, when K9 drug-sniffing dogs were brought into the school. Investigators reported finding cocaine inside Somers’ wallet, which was later confirmed through testing, according to WAFB.
When questioned, Somers claimed the cocaine did not belong to her, but a friend who had given it to her at an LSU football tailgate the previous weekend.
A further search of Somers’ car reportedly uncovered marijuana and pipes. The items were confiscated as part of the investigation.
Somers, who teaches Math Intervention at Westdale Middle School, has been an educator for more than a decade. She now faces multiple charges, including drug possession and possession of paraphernalia.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System said the matter is being addressed according to district policies. In a statement, it said, “Please be assured that this behavior is not condoned by our district and we remain committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and drug-free environment for all students and staff.”