Wisconsin Elementary School Teacher Faces Cocaine Possession Charges
A 58-year-old elementary school teacher in Wisconsin has been arrested and charged with misdemeanor cocaine possession after allegedly using the drug while at work. Laurie Laubenstein, a teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in New London, faces a sentencing enhancement because the alleged possession occurred at a school, which is a designated drug-free zone.
Tip-Off Leads to Investigation
According to a criminal complaint obtained by WBAY-TV, someone close to Laubenstein tipped off police on February 12 about her alleged cocaine use. The tipster informed a school resource officer that they had observed Laubenstein frequently going into the bathroom with her purse. They also claimed to have found bloody tissues and white powder in the bathroom. The tipster stated they had reported the issue to the school principal, but police say the principal did not take it seriously.
Police Discovery and Confession
The day after the tipster raised concerns, the school resource officer visited Laubenstein's classroom and noted she appeared anxious. He checked the bathroom and discovered white powder, which was later tested at the New London Police Station and identified as cocaine. On February 12, the officer returned with a drug-sniffing dog and found cocaine in Laubenstein's purse and coat pocket.
During police interviews, Laubenstein admitted to starting cocaine use in August and confessed to using the drug on the day she was searched. She told police she used cocaine in the classroom and in the teacher's lounge bathrooms, but claimed she always cleaned up after herself and never intended to put students in danger.
School Response and Legal Consequences
The school district sent a letter to parents informing them of Laubenstein's arrest, while also stating that their children were never in danger. As a first-time offender, Laubenstein faces up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000 if convicted. Because the alleged possession occurred on school grounds, the court may impose additional penalties, such as 100 hours of community service.
Laubenstein is scheduled to appear in court on March 17 to face the charges.
