A former teacher in Virginia is now facing charges after allegedly letting his students smoke pot during his shop class.
According to WRIC, Domonic Leuzzi, 23, was doing more than just teaching his class. According to police reports, he is allowing the students to use marijuana during the class.
"Domonic Leuzzi was actually allowing students to smoke marijuana in his classroom," said Henrico County Police Lieutenant Chris Eley.
Leuzzi was a shop teacher in a high school for academically and behaviorally challenged kids, the Academy of Virginia Randolph. The school is supposed to be a drug-free zone as stated on a sign at the front of the school. However, report says that Leuzzi is letting the students light up.
"We got a call from the administration of Henrico County Public Schools saying they received information from students that a teacher was allowing them to smoke marijuana in a class," explained Eley.
Officials said that at least three teens smoked marijuana under Leuzzi's watch. He is now facing three charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
It is not clear whether Leuzzi had an attorney who can give a comment regarding the case. Reporters dropped by his home but no one answered the door.
According to a spokesperson from Henrico County Public Schools, Leuzzi has been terminated from the school after this unusual case.
"In my 18 years in police, I haven't seen anything like this," Eley added.
Daily smoking of marijuana reduces one's intellectual level. Research says that students who are smoking marijuana have poorer educational outcomes compared to those who are not smoking, as reported by National Institute of Drug Abuse.
Some relevant studies found that marijuana use was associated with reduced educational attainment such as reduced chance of graduating. Marijuana users also are at high risk of using illegal drugs and suicide after developing dependence.
