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Special Ed Teacher Charged For Allegedly Selling Heroin From His Home

McKEES ROCKS (KDKA) -- Authorities have charged a local high school special education teacher with selling heroin out of his Robinson Township home.

Charles Schaldenbrand, 44, faces five felony charges, including possession and delivery of heroin, based on two drug buys initiated by a confidential informant.

KDKA's Ralph Iannotti Reports:

According to the state Attorney General's Office, Schaldenbrand is accused of selling about $350 worth of heroin to an undercover informant at least twice out of his home in the 100-block of K-Row.

According to the criminal complaint, beginning in the middle of December, the confidential informant contacted Schaldenbrand on his cell phone about making a heroin buy.

The criminal complaint reports the defendant allegedly suggested making the deal at his home, instructing the buyer to look for the drugs in a can by a wheelbarrow.

Both that transaction and a second transaction resulted in the delivery of heroin, according to police.

Robinson Police Chief Dale Vietmeier owns the home, and told KDKA-TV's Ralph Iannotti he was "very surprised" to hear about the charges against his tenant.

Vietmeier said Schaldenbrand had been renting the single family home for about a year, and "he always paid his rent in a timely manner."

Vietmeier said the suspect had been living with his father and a roommate.

Vietmeier explained he first learned of a criminal investigation last month, when the AG's office executed a search warrant at the house.

Although it's not alleged the drug sales were done on school property, the Montour School District where Schaldenbrand taught special education is very interested in the outcome of the case.

The school district's attorney Ira Weiss released this statement:

"The district received credible information that Mr. Schaldenbrand was engaging in illegal activity off site. He has been placed on paid suspension and will remain on paid suspension pending his preliminary hearing."

Schaldenbrand's been released from jail on bond, pending a hearing next week.

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