A Washington state teacher is facing charges after police say she was under the influence of drugs Thursday at a Fredericksburg elementary school.
FOX News Digital reports that Candyce Carter, 35, allegedly had drugs in her second-grade classroom at Spotswood Elementary School in Fredericksburg. Her husband, 34-year-old Kristopher Carter, was allegedly outside in a car in the school parking lot with their 2-year-old child, also under the influence, according to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
Spotsylvania County Fire & Rescue arrived at the school after Kristopher Carter was found unresponsive in the parking lot. According to the dispatch, he was given Narcan twice and survived. The sheriff’s office added that the toddler was found safe and is now with social services.
No students reported injuries or exposure to the drugs. Medical personnel examined the students as a precaution, and the classroom was professionally cleaned, according to NBC 4 Washington.
Following the incident, Spotsylvania County School Board member Lisa Phelps sent FOX 5 a statement saying, “I am thankful that the drugs did not impact the kids of Spotsylvania County through direct contact. I know that there is a presence of drugs in our schools, adults and children alike.”
“I have expressed my concerns publicly at school board meetings, repeatedly. It seems as though there is no difference than any other school we often see in the news. I believe the difference from when I attended school compared to present day, is the presence of fentanyl. Your child, your spouse, your friend might not get a second chance at life if exposed to fentanyl.”
Candyce and Kristopher Carter are both charged with felony child endangerment and neglect.
Candyce Carter also faces a felony drug charge and is being held without bond. Kristopher Carter was granted a $5,000 bond.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools sent a letter to parents that read, in part, “Please be assured that the safety of our students and staff is our priority.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, call the national hotline for drug abuse at 1-888-633-3239 to receive information regarding treatment and recovery.
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[Feature Photo: Candace and Kristopher Carter/Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office]
