Two students at Angola High School unknowingly ate THC-infused gummies that were left "out in the open" in class, authorities say. The teacher identified as Debra L. McGillem, 49, was arrested and booked on preliminary felony counts including neglect of a dependent and possession of a controlled substance on school property, and faces an additional OVI charge. The district has launched an internal investigation and some students have posted supportive messages online. It is unclear whether McGillem has retained an attorney.
Indiana Teacher Arrested After Students Accidentally Ate THC Gummies Left "Out in the Open"
Two students at Angola High School unknowingly ate THC-infused gummies that were left "out in the open" in class, authorities say. The teacher identified as Debra L. McGillem, 49, was arrested and booked on preliminary felony counts including neglect of a dependent and possession of a controlled substance on school property, and faces an additional OVI charge. The district has launched an internal investigation and some students have posted supportive messages online. It is unclear whether McGillem has retained an attorney.
11:15 PM, 11/17/2025Society
Indiana teacher booked after students unknowingly consume THC gummies left in class
An Angola High School teacher was arrested after two students unintentionally ate THC-infused gummies that were left visible in a classroom, authorities said.
On Friday, Nov. 14, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office said a school resource deputy was notified that two students had ingested THC edibles during the final class period the previous day. The students were reportedly unaware the candy contained THC.
“The two students involved were in class at the time of the incident and were unaware that the candy they ate contained THC,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook statement.
Investigators said the candy had been placed inside the classroom and was "out in the open." The sheriff’s office identified the teacher as Debra L. McGillem, 49, of Reading, Michigan, and alleged she brought the items into the classroom.
Authorities say they discovered additional food items in McGillem’s possession that were suspected of containing THC. McGillem later drove to the sheriff’s office for questioning, and investigators said observations made during the interview led them to believe she had operated a vehicle while impaired.
Charges and school response
McGillem was booked into the Steuben County Jail on preliminary felony charges of neglect of a dependent and possession of a controlled substance on school property. She also faces a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI). Records indicate she was held on a $6,500 bond and remained in custody at least through Saturday.
In a statement posted Friday evening, Metropolitan School District of Steuben County Superintendent Matthew Widenhoefer said the district is aware a staff member was booked into the Steuben County Jail. The district has opened an internal investigation and said any disciplinary action will follow district policy and applicable law.
Reactions and next steps
Some students posted messages defending McGillem on social media. One senior, Josh Carroll, wrote that she had been "the best teacher in that school by far" and urged others not to unfairly judge her, saying, "people make mistakes."
It is not publicly known whether McGillem has retained legal counsel to comment on the case. The sheriff’s office statement and the school district’s announcement are the primary sources of information at this time.
Note: This account reflects information released by law enforcement and the school district. All charges are preliminary and the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.