Cliffside Park High School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Possession of Heroin

An individual who used to teach at Cliffside Park High School in Cliffside Park, New Jersey will likely be able to stay out of jail after pleading guilty to heroin possession charges.

The 32-year-old suspect was initially arrested and charged with possession of heroin in 2014. According to Bergen County NJ authorities, the suspect was caught in possession of a very large quantity of heroin. Making matters worse, the suspect was found with the heroin while on the very school grounds where he taught high school students.

Employees at the school were made aware of the suspect’s allegedly drug activity after a high school student came across a drug syringe in a school bathroom. Officials with the Cliffside Park high school then contacted Cliffside Park police, which sent several police officers to the school grounds to conduct a search.

While searching lockers and classrooms, police officers allegedly discovered a backpack containing 125 smaller bags of heroin. Law enforcement allegedly found the heroin-filled backpack in the suspect’s classroom.

The suspect was originally charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute. He later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of drug possession after reaching a plea deal with Bergen County NJ prosecutors. As a result of the plea agreement, the suspect will be allowed to go on probation for four years instead of being sent to New Jersey State Prison.

On top of the probation sentence, the suspect will also need to complete 100 hours of community service within an allotted time period.

To learn more about this case, read the NJ.com article, “Ex-Cliffside Park Teacher Sentenced on Heroin Charges.”