Illegal Drugs Found in Student’s Vehicle

ILLEGAL DRUGS FOUND IN STUDENT’S VEHICLE

PUTNAM COUNTY, TN (September 4, 2020): Tuesday afternoon, September 1, 2020, SRO Deputies were called to assist Cookeville High School (CHS) Administrative Faculty in removing an unruly male White Plains Academy student from a shared school bus prior to CHS students being released from classes. The unruly student became physically ill in the presence of SRO Deputy Rick Shepherd and Deputy Lt. Bill Harris and admitted his symptoms were related to illegal drug use. White Plains students are bussed to CHS to share busses daily.

After receiving more information, CHS Administrative Faculty members and SRO Deputies Shepherd and Lt Bill Harris reviewed surveillance, leading to the search of a parked vehicle in the CHS parking lot, driven there by a female CHS student. Items found in the vehicle search included marijuana and marijuana products, including vape pens and candy believed to contain THC oil. THC oil is the illegal substance in cannabis products.

Both students are juveniles and have been suspended from Putnam County Schools and criminal charges are pending. Their names and ongoing case details will not be released at this time.

Sheriff Farris says, “Protecting our students and faculty is always our number one priority at our schools and combatting illegal drug activity is certainly a huge part of keeping our schools safe.” Also, Sheriff Farris said. “I am proud of the teamwork of our SRO Deputies and CHS administration. It takes everyone working together to keep our environment safe.”