Police: Saugus teacher who was arrested had fentanyl in school

A Saugus seventh-grade science teacher pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of possession of a Class A substance in Lynn District Court.

Roxanne Plaskon, 52, of Beverly, was arrested Thursday, following the discovery of a “suspicious substance” in a faculty bathroom and her classroom at Saugus Middle High School, according to police.

Police were called to the school Thursday morning after police found a white powdery substance on a shelf in a faculty bathroom, according to WCVB.

They were called back later that day, after a faculty member discovered a similar powdery substance inside Plaskon’s classroom, according to the news station.

Prosecutors say Plaskon allegedly possessed 6 grams of fentanyl, according to NBC10 Boston.

Plaskon told police she takes the drug for pain management, but declined to say where she got it, according to NBC10. In court, a judge told her to continue her treatment in a substance abuse program, according to the news outlet.

According to officials, no students or staff were in danger at the time of arrest.

“Both the Saugus administration and Saugus Police Department addressed the situation, following the appropriate procedures and laws, to make sure that at no time was the safety of students or staff in jeopardy,” read the statement from the school district. 

Plaskon is due back in court March 5.

“Hopefully, she gets herself some help, and hopefully, no kids got their hands on it,” said one parent to WBZ-TV. 

Want to leave a comment?

Create an Account Or sign in to your account

To comment, please create a screen name in your profile

To comment, please verify your email address

Conversation

This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com