Pubdate: Wed, 08 Jan 2003
Source: Augusta Chronicle, The (GA)
Copyright: 2003 The Augusta Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.augustachronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/31
Note: Does not publishing letters from outside of the immediate Georgia and 
South Carolina circulation area
Author:  Greg Rickabaugh
Note: Staff Writer Preston Sparks contributed to this article.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

OFFICERS HOLD TWO TEACHERS ON DRUG CHARGES

Two teachers were being held on drug charges late Tuesday after a Richmond 
County sheriff's deputy investigating a possible break-in at their 
Hephzibah home found cocaine and marijuana, authorities said. James and 
Roslyn McIntyre, both 49, were in police custody at about 10:30 p.m. 
Tuesday, authorities said. Police said both were expected to face felony 
drug possession charges.

A sheriff's deputy went to the home in the 3700 block of Pinnacle Place 
Drive earlier Tuesday to investigate a possible burglary. The officer found 
a door had been kicked in and went inside for safety reasons, police said.

Investigators said the deputy found cocaine and marijuana inside and then 
called for backup from narcotics officers.

Authorities obtained a search warrant and were searching the home late Tuesday.

The couple were taken into custody, and sheriff's investigators were 
seeking warrants against the two for possession of marijuana with intent to 
distribute and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, both 
felonies, police said.

Mrs. McIntyre told police she worked at Belair Elementary School in 
Columbia County.

Belair Elementary Principal Mike Doolittle said Mrs. McIntyre is a "very 
good" kindergarten teacher at the school.

"She's been there for many years, probably 13 or 14 years," he said.

Police say Mr. McIntyre declined to tell officers where he worked, but 
Richmond County school records list him as a music teacher at Murphey 
Middle School.

Murphey Middle Principal Eleanor Hopson confirmed that Mr. McIntyre works 
at the school and said a substitute would fill his position today. She said 
the arrest was a first for her school since she's been principal.

"I've never experienced anything like that," she said, declining further 
comment.

Authorities said nothing in the home appeared to be stolen, but the door 
had been damaged from someone kicking it in.
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