Overview
- Two students consumed gummies during the final class period, later learning the candy contained THC, according to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.
- Deputies allege language arts teacher Debra L. McGillem, 49, brought the items to the classroom and that additional suspected THC products were found in her possession.
- The sheriff’s office says McGillem drove in for questioning, and observations during her interview led investigators to believe she had operated a vehicle while impaired.
- She was booked on preliminary felony counts of neglect of a dependent and possession of a controlled substance on school property, plus an operating-while-intoxicated allegation, and held on a $6,500 bond.
- Superintendent Matthew Widenhoefer announced an internal investigation by the Metropolitan School District of Steuben County, and at least one student publicly posted in her defense.