A Livingston ISD teacher faces charges of drug possession and child endangerment after meth was found in her classroom. Police say students were not exposed.
LIVINGSTON, Texas — A Livingston ISD teacher was arrested after police said methamphetamine was found inside a junior high classroom, prompting an investigation that unfolded over several days. Officials say there is no evidence that students were exposed.
According to the Livingston Police Department, administrators at Livingston Junior High School contacted officers on Thursday, March 12, after a suspicious substance was discovered on campus.
In a statement, Livingston Independent School District said the situation began as a medical incident involving the employee. While responding, campus staff discovered the substance and immediately notified law enforcement.
Officers arrived and quickly identified the substance as methamphetamine. Investigators also found items commonly linked to drug use inside the classroom, police said.
Authorities interviewed witnesses and identified a person of interest as Amanda Stanzel, who had already been taken to a hospital for treatment.
On Friday, March 13, officers interviewed Stanzel and presented the case to Judge Terri Mayer, who found probable cause and issued two arrest warrants, according to police.
Stanzel was released from the hospital on Wednesday, March 18, and taken into custody by Livingston police officers.
According to jail records, she was booked into the Polk County Jail later that evening. She is charged with abandoning or endangering a child, elderly person or disabled person and possession of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone.
Records show her bond was set at $3,000 for the endangerment charge and $5,000 for the drug charge. She was released on bond Wednesday night.
Police said there is no evidence that any students came in contact with the drugs.
The school district said the employee was placed on administrative leave following the March 12 incident and remains on leave pending action by the school board on the employee’s contract.
In its statement, Livingston ISD said it “does not condone or tolerate this type of behavior” and is fully cooperating with law enforcement. Officials added that the district is committed to maintaining a safe, secure and drug-free learning environment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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