A 51-year-old Parkside High School teacher charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute and related offenses was in the Wicomico County Detention Center on $50,000 bail, according to Lt. Tim Robinson, who handles public relations for the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.

Monica Snee.

Monica Snee, a special education teacher, was also charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, possession of oxycodone, possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute, possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone and possession of suboxone with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone.

She was arrested Nov. 14 following an investigation into the distribution of controlled dangerous substances by someone employed as a teacher by the county school system, Robinson said.

In October, investigators determined Snee was involved with sales at several locations, including at Parkside.

She was arrested just before 3 p.m., when deputies with a search and seizure warrant for her vehicle stopped her as she drove off school grounds. Her vehicle was searched and deputies recovered more than 100 capsules of heroin, hundreds of oxycodone pills and a small amount of suboxone strips, deputies said.

They said she did not have a prescription for oxycodone or suboxone and they weren’t in proper prescription containers.

Deputies also recovered almost $3,000 in cash and small plastic bags.

Later, Sheriff Mike Lewis and Dr. Donna Hanlin held a news conference about the incident.

“The safety of our students is our highest priority each and every day. Our school system is working cooperatively with law enforcement on its investigation. Anyone with information should contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office,” Hanlin said.

She explained Kim Pinhey, the school principal, informed students’ families about the arrest by calling their homes and leaving a recorded message.

The message stated Snee had been arrested and placed on administrative leave.

“Every day, you trust your children to our care, and our No. 1 priority is the safety of our students. It is a responsibility that we do not take lightly. Please be assured I will always take immediate action any time there appears to have been a violation of the trust between students and educators. Please take time to speak to your child about this matter,” the call stated.