In an incident that has stunned both parents and educators, a veteran Indiana high school teacher is facing multiple charges after allegedly leaving THC-laced edibles accessible in her classroom—an oversight that led to two students mistakenly consuming the high-potency marijuana gummies.
Debra McGillem, 49, a language arts teacher at Angola High School, now stands accused of child neglect and possession of a controlled substance on school property.
The event reportedly unfolded on a routine Thursday when a school resource officer discovered that two students had inadvertently eaten the gummies, mistaking them for candy. A deeper investigation revealed that the edibles had been left “out in the open,” according to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say that when McGillem was brought in for questioning, deputies suspected she was under the influence while driving herself to the interview—an allegation that led to two additional misdemeanor charges for driving while intoxicated.
Her bond is currently set at $6,500 as the investigation continues. The Indiana Department of Child Services has also been alerted.
Following the initial discovery in the classroom, deputies reportedly found more THC gummies in McGillem’s possession. This suggests not only negligence but active possession and potential impairment during school hours—raising serious questions about oversight, safety, and substance control in educational environments.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, support for McGillem has surfaced online, especially from current students. One senior described her as “the best teacher in that school by far” and urged others to temper their judgment.
The comment reflects a tension that often arises in cases like this—where public figures, particularly educators, are held to stringent standards but are also deeply human.
Indiana law maintains a firm stance against marijuana possession, which remains illegal outside of strictly limited low-THC CBD products. The consequences McGillem now faces are likely to be severe—professionally and legally.
