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Teacher Accused Of Using Heroin Before Class Waives Prelim Hearing

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Police claim a man admitted to doing heroin before teaching class at Northgate High School and was even found asleep at his desk.

Today, 26-year-old Christopher Chiappetta appeared in court.

Chiappetta will remain in handcuffs, at least for the time being, after waiving his preliminary hearing.

"Mr. Chiappetta will go to some type of drug court. The big concern right now is getting him inpatient rehab somewhere so he can start working on his addiction problem," Bellevue Police Sgt. Michael Hudson said.

Chiappetta is facing a list of charges including possession and public drunkenness.

The charges stem from an incident on Oct. 16 at Northgate High School where Chiappetta was a substitute teacher.

Police say they found him asleep at his desk.

Officers then discovered a stamp bag of heroin on Chiappetta and marijuana in his car, which was parked on school property.

There were 11 students in the classroom where Chiappetta was passed out.

"I talked to each of the parents. I did a follow up. All the parents that I talked to felt that the school handled the situation appropriately. They felt that Mr. Chiappetta needed to get the help," Sgt. Hudson said.

Chiapetta will remain in jail until he is accepted into an inpatient program.

Chiapetta's attorney would not comment on the case.

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