Wisconsin Teacher Arrested for Alleged Cocaine Use at School
A Wisconsin elementary school teacher has been arrested after being accused of using cocaine on campus.
Laurie Laubenstein, 58, a teacher at Lincoln Elementary in New London, is facing a charge of possession of cocaine, with a modifier for possession of a controlled substance on or near certain places.
According to a criminal complaint, police received an anonymous tip reporting changes in Laubenstein’s behavior. The tipster told authorities that a school resource officer had noticed the changes and that Laubenstein frequently went into the bathroom with her purse.
The tipster also reported finding bloody tissues and white powder in the restroom area. Authorities said a sample of the white powder tested positive for cocaine.
On February 12, a school resource officer returned to the school with a police K-9 and conducted a search. According to the complaint, cocaine was found in Laubenstein’s purse and coat pocket.
Investigators said Laubenstein admitted to starting cocaine use in August. Police say she admitted to using cocaine before school, after school, and in classroom and teacher’s lounge bathrooms.
According to the complaint, Laubenstein told officers she always cleaned up after herself and would never put her students in danger.
The New London Police Department said the investigation remains ongoing.
The school district sent a letter to parents and families stating that at no point were students or staff in harm’s way.
