Sometimes, the people we least expect are arrested for drug charges. Those charges can have severe consequences for the person who is accused of the crimes as well as for the broader community, even prior to trial.

Earlier this month, Morris County police officers came to Governor Livingston High School and arrested a science teacher. The New Jersey man was accused of drug crimes, specifically marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. Police officers also alleged that he served alcohol to minors. The prosecutors have not released whether the minors allegedly served were students of the instructor.

The community was alarmed by having an educator charged with these offenses. Some residents fear the worst. It was reportedly known in the community that the teacher spent time with students outside of the classroom, and now questions are arising as to what activities the teacher and students engaged in during that time.

However, others in the community have expressed disbelief at the possession charges and the charge of serving minors brought against the educator. Many have quickly risen up to support the teacher. Notably, a Facebook group that served as a fan club for the instructor was littered with posts after the arrest. Current and former students posted comments of praise and support for the teacher.

Even if the popular teacher is never convicted of these crimes, the consequences of the charges are already being felt. The educator has left his previous home in the community and is currently under suspension with pay from the high school.

Source: NY Daily News, "NJ students shocked after 'cool' science teacher busted for pot, providing booze to minors," Philip Caulfield, 14 Nov 2010