Local Teacher Surrenders To Police On Drug Charges
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A local high school teacher, accused of trying to grow and sell marijuana, has surrendered to police. Now, his girlfriend is also charged.
Thomas Jefferson High School teacher Scott Hauk and his girlfriend were arraigned today on drug charges.
The high school tech teacher, when asked if he had anything to say to his students, said: "I'll miss you guys."
Police kicked in the door of Hauk's South Park home Friday night.
Police reports indicate officers found marijuana, marijuana plants, as well as extensive equipment used to grow marijuana in a hidden room.
"There's no indication of any children being involved, no students, nothing involving the high school," said Chuck LoPresti, the defense attorney. "This is just a simple case that, in my opinion, has gotten a little overblown here."
Officials at the West Jefferson Hills School District don't see it that way.
Their concern is the felony arrest and drug charges against an 11-year teacher and what he represents to students.
"Anytime teachers are involved in any type of activity such as this, like I said, it's very, very disappointing," said Superintendent Dr. Michael Panza. "Teachers are supposed to be role models for children and we are very sorry to hear that this has happened."
Hauck is suspended from teaching and will now have a meeting with school district officials. Sources indicate he will likely be fired.
LoPresti: "Not that that may be premier at this point. In fact, it might be a ship that's already sailed, so to speak, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it."
KDKA's Marty Griffin: "Is it particularly because of the attention because he's a teacher?"
LoPresti: "Well, of course."
The school district says a search of Hauk's computer, office and any property showed no evidence there were any drugs or drug transactions on campus or that any students were involved in any illegal drug activity.
RELATED LINKS:
Warrant Issued For HS Teacher Wanted On Felony Drug Charges (1/21/14)
More Reports by Marty Griffin
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