An Indiana high school is at the center of a shocking situation after authorities say two students unknowingly ate THC gummies during class. And the teacher involved, Debra McGillem, is now facing serious charges. What started as a normal school day quickly turned into a criminal investigation that has parents, staff, and the community buzzing.
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Authorities Trace THC Candy Back To Teacher
According to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, the incident first came to light Friday morning. The resource deputy at Angola High School learned that two students had eaten what they believed to be regular candy during their last class period on Thursday. Deputies say the students had no idea the gummies contained THC. They reported that the candy was sitting out in the open inside the classroom. Further investigation led officers to 49-year-old language arts teacher Debra McGillem, who allegedly brought the gummies into the school. McGillem, who lives in Michigan, teaches at the northern Indiana school where the incident occurred.
More THC Found, Teacher Taken Into Custody
Authorities say McGillem was taken into custody, and more suspected THC gummies were found on her person. Deputies determined she was also allegedly under the influence and had been operating a vehicle while impaired. She now faces multiple charges, including neglect of a dependent and possession of a controlled substance on school property. Besides both level 6 felonies, McGillem also faces a misdemeanor charge for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The Indiana Department of Child Services was notified, and McGillem was booked into the Steuben County Jail on a $6,500 bond. As of Saturday morning, she was still in custody.
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District Responds & Launches Investigation
Following the arrest, Metropolitan Superintendent Matthew L. Widenhoefer addressed the situation in a Facebook post to parents. He confirmed that the district is aware an employee was taken into custody. The district also stated that an internal investigation has already begun. Widenhoefer assured families that appropriate disciplinary action will follow in line with school policy and state law, emphasizing that student safety remains the district’s top priority.
