Louisiana middle school teacher arrested after cocaine found during random campus drug search

A Louisiana middle school math teacher was arrested this week after a detection dog brought to the campus for a random drug search indicated the presence of illegal narcotics. Virginia Somers, 47, of Baton Rouge, was taken into custody Tuesday at Westdale Middle School, according to WAFB.

The drug-sniffing dog began reacting around Somers and indicated illegal narcotics were detected, according to the station. Somers has taught for about 10 years. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office said Somers, who was searched, had a baggie of cocaine in her wallet when officers recovered it. Testing confirmed the substance in the baggie was cocaine, according to the report. Somers told cops the drugs were a friend’s, and she’d been asked to hold onto the bag during a recent Louisiana State University football tailgate.

Cops then searched her car, and allegedly found marijuana and some glass pipes. Somers, who has been an educator for more than a decade, was charged with possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. [This line appears to be an advertisement in the source and is not part of the report; it has been omitted in the rewrite.]

During a random drug search conducted on campus, an employee was found to be in possession of illegal substances, the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System said in a statement to WAFB. “This matter is being handled in accordance with East Baton Rouge Parish Schools policy and procedures. Please be assured that this behavior is not condoned by our district and we remain committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and drug-free environment for all students and staff.” It was unclear if Somers would be returning to the school for work on Monday.

The incident underscores ongoing questions about drug policy and safety measures in public schools, including the use of canine drug searches as part of campus security efforts. Local officials said the district will continue to review procedures in light of the event and will work to ensure a safe environment for students and staff while adhering to district policy and state law. As the investigation proceeds, authorities said additional details would be released as available.

The case is being handled within the district’s safety and disciplinary framework, with officials emphasizing that any action will be guided by policy and procedures specific to East Baton Rouge Parish Schools. With procedures in place, educators and administrators say they aim to balance safety with transparency and due process while addressing concerns from parents and the community about drug use and enforcement on campuses.