School Crossing Guard Accused of Distributing Drugs to Students

Kiara Lee, 26, has been arrested and charged with supplying middle school students with electronic cigarettes and substances containing marijuana.

A school crossing guard in Pennsylvania has been arrested and charged with allegedly distributing electronic cigarettes and substances containing marijuana to middle school students. According to officials, 26-year-old Kiara Lee was taken into custody on Tuesday night and is facing multiple charges, including corruption of minors and possession of marijuana.

The arrest came after a student reported that Lee had provided students with vapes on several occasions and had frequently smoked marijuana with another student. The student's guardian confirmed to Fox 29 that Lee had been giving her child vapes and marijuana edibles.

Text messages between Lee and the student revealed their experiences after eating the edibles, according to authorities. The messages allegedly showed that Lee and the student had consumed the edibles together and discussed their effects.

"School crossing guards epitomize the role of public servant," said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. "They are – quite literally – entrusted with the lives of our children and hold a position of sacred trust in communities across the Commonwealth and the country. For an individual to abuse that trust is deeply disturbing, and corrosive to the well-being of the entire community."

Parents of students at Penn Wood Middle School expressed shock and concern over the news.

Maya Bryant said it was deeply troubling to learn that an employee of the school district was allegedly selling drugs to children. "As a parent, it's already difficult enough to keep children away from negative influences," she said. "But to hear that an employee of the borough would even sell to kids is insane."

Malekka Dade added, "It's a shame to have these people on these corners to do their job, to protect children, and now you're telling me the kids are receiving drugs from them? It's utterly disgusting."

Lee has been charged with two counts of corruption of minors, two counts of possession of marijuana, and other charges. She was unable to post her $20,000 bail and remains in jail. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for June 14.

The arrest highlights the growing concern over the use of electronic cigarettes and marijuana among young people. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the use of e-cigarettes among high school students increased from 11.7% in 2017 to 27.5% in 2020. The CDC also warns that nicotine-like chemicals in vapes may be more potent than nicotine in traditional cigarettes.

The arrest of Lee also raises questions about the safety of school crossing guards and the need for increased supervision and training. School crossing guards play a vital role in ensuring the safety of children, and it is crucial that they are held to a high standard of conduct.