New Jersey Art Teacher Charged After Allegedly Overdosing In Classroom

On Thursday, a New Jersey middle-school teacher was charged with overdosing in November in a classroom. 

Chief of police in Westfield, New Jersey Announced The Prices Frank Thompson, 57 was notified Friday that he had been fired as art teacher. “has been charged with drug-related crimes and offenses, as well as endangering the welfare of children.” 

“While the Westfield Public School District cannot comment on personnel matters which are confidential, we will maintain a continued focus on student and staff safety and on preserving the integrity of the classroom learning environment,” Superintendent Dr. Raymond González said. “We are grateful for our strong partnership with the Westfield Police Department.” 

On the morning of November 29, Roosevelt Intermediate School’s resource officer called the police over “an unconscious teacher” One of the classrooms. Thompson was “unconscious and unresponsive on the classroom floor.” Thompson was reportedly found by students, and Thompson’s school nurse provided treatment. 

Thompson seemed to be suffering from an overdose of drugs, and the officer administered Naloxone Hydrochloride to him. Thompson immediately responded. The investigation was launched and Thompson was found to be suffering from a drug overdose. “suspected controlled dangerous substance and various items of drug paraphernalia” They were found in a closet inside the classroom.

Police officers in Westfield administered Naloxone Hydrochloride thirteen times last year to those suspected of using excessive amounts of drugs. 

Thompson was charged “Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (fentanyl),” as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia,” and “Endangering Welfare of Children.”

“The Westfield Police Department continues to prioritize its ongoing partnership with the Westfield Public School System to ensure it has the safety and security resources it needs on a daily basis,” Chief Christopher Battiloro spoke. “In this case, the swift actions of Officer Riga, who is on-site at Roosevelt Intermediate each school day, proved instrumental in maintaining the safety of the students and administering potentially life-saving measures to Mr. Thompson.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Rocky Mountain Division Announcement Monday’s announcement by the company revealed that it had received more than 5.8 millions potentially fatal doses of fentanyl last year.

According to DEA reports, the agency also stated last month that they had seized more 50.6 million fentanyl pill pills and more 10,000 pounds powdered fentanyl. That would be enough for all Americans.

Fentanyl was smuggled over the border from the United States to Mexico, creating deadly and dangerous situations for Americans all around the country. 

Bridget Brennan is the New York City Special Narcotics Police Prosecutor Telled The New York Post “[t]he effect of this drug and the loss that people have suffered because of fentanyl is tremendous and it’s really widespread.”

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