WRAL.com – News – Graham High School Teacher Allegedly Sold Cocaine To Student

PE Teacher Suspended With Pay
POSTED: 7:48 p.m. EST February 25, 2004
GRAHAM, N.C. — A Graham High School teacher was charged Wednesday with selling cocaine to a 15-year-old student on school grounds and other offenses.

An anonymous tipster told authorities about the incident, which police believe occurred one time with one student, Graham police Captain Jeff Prichard said.
Heather Renee Sweat-Melancon, 23, turned herself in and was arrested after police searched the physical education teacher’s office, vehicle and Burlington home on Tuesday, Graham police chief Milford Miller said.

She was suspended with pay on Tuesday pending the results of the investigation, said Farrell Hanzaker, assistant superintendent for Graham County Schools.
“Since Tuesday, that investigation has been turned over to law enforcement,” he said.
Hanzaker declined to give further details.
Other charges against Sweat-Melancon include felony possession of cocaine; selling and delivering a controlled substance to a minor between 13 and 16; maintaining a vehicle or dwelling to keep or sell a controlled substance; selling and distributing a controlled substance within 300 feet of a school; possession of drug paraphernalia; and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Prichard declined to release details about the 15 year-old, but said charges were pending.