Baton Rouge, LA – A 47-year-old math intervention teacher was arrested after a random drug check at Westdale Middle School led to the discovery of cocaine and marijuana. Virginia Somers, a teacher at the school, was taken into custody after a drug-detecting K-9 flagged her bag for suspicious substances.
Cocaine Found in Teacher’s Bag
The incident unfolded on Tuesday, when Vimsen, a K-9 from the East Baton Rouge Parish School Drug Task Force, alerted officers to a potential drug presence in Somers’ book bag. Upon inspection, officers reportedly discovered cocaine in her wallet. A subsequent field test confirmed the presence of the illicit substance.
When read her rights, Somers allegedly told police that the cocaine didn’t belong to her. She claimed the drug was hers only in the sense that she had snorted it at a tailgate party during a Louisiana State University football game the previous weekend.
Marijuana Found in Vehicle
Following the bag search, officers asked Somers for permission to search her vehicle, a Honda CR-V, and she consented. According to the probable cause report, officers discovered marijuana and two marijuana pipes along with lighters inside a small gray bag in the vehicle’s glove compartment.
In total, 0.8 grams of cocaine and 0.5 grams of marijuana were seized during the investigation.
Charges and School Response
Somers was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and violation of controlled dangerous substances in a school zone. She was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday to face the charges.
After her arrest, the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System issued a statement addressing the incident, saying:
“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.”
Conclusion and Community Impact
The arrest of a middle school teacher for drug-related offenses highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain a drug-free school environment. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and the community remains focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of both students and staff.
What are your thoughts on the recent arrest and the impact of drug use on schools? Share your comments below.
