Chesterfield Teacher Charged with Child Neglect, Possessing Meth On School Property

Chesterfield County, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - A teacher in Chesterfield has been charged with felony child neglect and possession of a controlled substance on school property.

Officers on Thursday responded to Hopkins Elementary after a report of a teacher in possession of “what appeared to be methamphetamine.”

Mary Horton, 47, was arrested and is being held on a $22,000 secured bond. She is set to appear at the Chesterfield County General District Court for preliminary proceedings at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 30.

Dr. Lisa Hill, Principal of Hopkins Elementary School, sent the following statement to parents and staff on Thursday:

“Good afternoon, families and staff: I am writing to share with you information about something that happened today at school. This afternoon inside our school, a student found a bag containing unknown substances. As soon as our administrative team was made aware, Chesterfield Police became involved. During the investigation, the police determined that the substances are illegal drugs."

Dr. Hill added that only one student was involved and the student’s family was notified immediately.

"As always, student safety is a top priority, and we are all partners in maintaining a safe learning environment," Hill said. "We ask that everyone be involved and aware. If you see something, say something. If you know something, make sure someone at school knows it too."