SYRACUSE, Utah - A third grade teacher at Buffalo Point Elementary was arrested on Thursday after police allegedly found heroin in her car and small amounts in her purse and classroom.
Syracuse Police officials say police received a tip about the possibility of heroin being inside a car at Buffalo Point Elementary, located on 1924 Doral Drive in Syracuse.
Police brought a drug-sniffing dog to the parking lot, who indicated on a red Chevrolet that police learned belonged to 49-year-old Claudia Reaney, a third grade teacher at the school.
Officials waited until the end of the school day to talk to Reaney and, with a warrant, search her classroom and car. Police say they found heroin residue and paraphernalia consistent with heroin use in Reaney's purse.
"It was in several places within the classroom. Most of it desk area, her personal belongings, trash can," said Syracuse Police Chief Garret Atkin. "It's clear from what we've found and in conversations with her, she does have a drug problem. It's not a first-time thing for her."
Reaney has worked with the Davis County School District since 2007. A district spokesperson couldn't comment on whether or not they suspected any drug abuse, but is concerned about the fact that the alleged drug abuse appears to have happened at school.
"There's a level of trust that parents have for the teachers, a level of trust we as employers have for our employees," said Chris Williams, Davis County School District spokesperson.
Reaney was booked into the Davis County Jail on one count of second-degree felony possession of a controlled substance. She's been placed on administrative leave.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
