Delaware County crossing guard supplied middle school students with narcotics: DA
DARBY, Pa. - A symbol of safety and security for parents and students is being charged with heinous acts that completely contradict that notion.
Kiara Lee, a 26-year-old crossing guard, is accused of distributing electronic cigarettes and substances containing marijuana to students at Penn Wood Middle School.
Officials say a student reported that Lee provided students with vapes several times, and frequently smoked marijuana with another student.
That student's guardian confirmed that Lee had been giving her child vapes and marijuana edibles.
MORE HEADLINES:
- Grieving husband reacts after wife, 65, shot, killed during ‘neighborhood dispute’: police
- Aunt speaks out after niece killed by Philly gang members charged in multiple murder-for-hire plot, shootings
- Young girl rushed to CHOP after being hit by Philadelphia police car
Text messages between Lee and the student also revealed their experiences after eating the edibles, according to authorities.
"School crossing guards epitomize the role of public servant. They are – quite literally – entrusted with the lives of our children and hold a position of sacred trust in communities across the Commonwealth and the country. For an individual to abuse that trust is deeply disturbing, and corrosive to the well-being of the entire community," Delaware County District Attorney Stollsteimer said.
Lee is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and corruption of minors.
Parents spoke out after hearing about Lee.
Maya Bryant stated, "It’s already bad enough as a parent, keeping them away from influences, but to hear that an employee of the borough would even sell to kids. It’s insane."
"It’s a shame to have these people on these corners to do their job, to protect children and now you’re telling me the kids are receiving drugs from them? It’s utterly disgusting," Malekka Dade said.
Late Wednesday, the Borough of Darby released a statement regarding Lee, saying:
"The Council of the Borough of Darby is deeply disturbed by the allegations contained in the Affidavit of Probable Cause related to Ms. Kiara Lee. We have placed Ms. Lee on administrative suspension and banned her from our facilities pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
We are grateful for the men and women of the Darby Borough Police Department for their hard work in making sure our community is safe."