Macomb County school district admins caught smoking weed near school
Hollie Stange (left) and Amanda Carroll (Photos: Warren Police Department)
WARREN, Mich. (FOX 2) - Two administrators of Fitzgerald Public Schools in Warren, including the superintendent, are on leave and facing charges after authorities say they were caught smoking marijuana in a vehicle near a school.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, superintendent Hollie Stange and food services director Amanda Carroll, both 38, were smoking weed on Friday in the parking lot of a plaza near 9 Mile and Ryan, within 1,000 feet of Fitzgerald High School.
After they were done, they both left in different vehicles and were pulled over. According to the prosecutor, both women were allegedly under the influence when stopped. Additionally, Stange had a weapon in her vehicle, police said.
Both women were arrested Friday and charged over the weekend.
While being interviewed by police, Stange told officers she had been smoking pot and displayed signs of intoxication. After her arrest, police searched through her vehicle and found more than 50 grams of pot and a loaded .22 caliber rifle.
Stange is charged with possessing marijuana on school property, possessing a weapon in a school zone, and operating while intoxicated.
Carroll is facing charges of possessing marijuana on school grounds and second-offense operating while intoxicated. Police conducted a traffic stop on Carroll's vehicle after noticing signs of intoxication on Friday.
After pulling her over, they discovered a 6-year-old child inside, as well as 25 grams of pot.
They were both given an interim bond of $5,000 cash/surety, and they will appear in court Monday for a bond hearing.
"These allegations are deeply troubling. These women are not only responsible for their own conduct but are entrusted with the well-being of our children. Engaging in alleged illegal drug use near school property and driving under the influence is a betrayal of that trust and puts our community at significant risk," said Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Luicido. "We will pursue justice to ensure accountability and uphold the safety and integrity of our schools."
The school district said it is in the process of naming an interim superintendent and food services director.