Angola, IN — An Indiana high school teacher is now facing multiple criminal charges after two students unknowingly consumed THC-infused gummies left out in the classroom, according to investigators.
The Steuben County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation began Friday morning after the school resource deputy at Angola High School learned the teens had eaten the gummies during their final class period on Thursday.
Deputies say the students believed the gummies were regular candy and had no idea they contained THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
Investigators: Gummies Belonged to 49-year-old Debra McGillem
Authorities determined the gummies were allegedly brought into the school by Debra McGillem, 49, a language arts teacher at Angola High School.
McGillem, who lives in Reading, Michigan — about 25 miles northeast of the school — was taken into custody shortly after the investigation began.
Deputies said they discovered additional suspected THC gummies in her possession and believed she was under the influence while operating her vehicle.
Criminal Charges Filed
According to the sheriff’s office, McGillem now faces several charges, including:
- Neglect of a Dependent (Level 6 felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance on School Property (Level 6 felony)
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (misdemeanor)
The Indiana Department of Child Services was notified as part of the ongoing case.
McGillem was booked into the Steuben County Jail on a $6,500 bond, where she remained as of Saturday morning.
School District Responds
Matthew L. Widenhoefer, Superintendent of the Metropolitan School District of Steuben County (MSDSC), addressed the situation publicly in a Facebook announcement to parents.
“The school district is aware that an MSDSC staff member has been booked into the Steuben County Jail. The district has initiated an internal investigation, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with district policy and applicable law,”
Widenhoefer said.
The district has not yet commented on potential employment consequences for McGillem.
Students Expected to Recover
Deputies have not released the medical status of the two students but emphasized that the teens were unaware the candy contained THC and consumed it only because it was left out in the open during class.
The incident remains under investigation.
Should schools implement stricter protocols for monitoring teachers’ personal belongings? Should McGillem face additional consequences?
Share your thoughts in the comments — do you think the charges fit the situation?
