On Thursday, March 29, 2012 the administration of Forestview High School notified Gaston Police school resource Officer J.K. Shaw that a teacher had possibly provided pills to a 15 year old student while on the school campus that morning. During the investigation that immediately followed it was determined that the teacher had in fact provided the student with four Clonazepam pills, which are listed as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the North Carolina Controlled Substance Act. The investigation also revealed that the student who received the pills then sold them to other students and then gave part of the proceeds of the sales to the teacher. These students who received or purchased these pills have all been identified as well.
Gaston County Police have charged Meredith Burris Pruitt, DOB 3/02/1981, of 3132 Turf Court Gastonia with Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Sell or Deliver a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Promoting Drug Sales by a Minor, Sell or Deliver a Controlled Substance to a Minor, Sell or Deliver a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a School, Hire or use a Minor to Commit a Controlled Substance Offense, Conspiracy to Sell or Deliver a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. Ms. Pruitt was released under a $15000.00 secured bond.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.
For further information contact Captain W.S. Melton, Jr., Support Service Section Commander, at 704-747-1508.