A Jefferson County Public Schools in-school security monitor is facing charges after he allegedly gave a middle-school student THC.
Eric Burnette, 38, is charged with a misdemeanor count of trafficking marijuana (less than 8 oz.) and a felony count of trafficking control substances within 1,000 feet of a school.
The citation alleges Burnette was under investigation after giving a 12-year-old student a THC vape pen to smoke at school.
School staff smelled marijuana and questioned the student. The 12-year-old told staff she got the pen from Burnette, and the handoff was recorded on security video.
He was arrested for unlawful transaction with a minor 2nd degree.
Police later found four THC Vape pens inside of Burnette’s car as well as two handguns and a total of six magazines, all of which were loaded.
Kentucky Poison Center Associate Medical Director Matt Eisenstat says vape devices are becoming more common among younger populations.
Jefferson County Public Schools even took steps to sue the makers of the popular nicotine device called “JUUL” in 2019.
Oftentimes, younger users of THC Vapes will show the same effects as an adult. However, they can also show more aggressive symptoms.
Eisenstat said you can get more severe things like slow heart rates and difficulty with breathing. A lack of regulations on the substance also increases the risk.
Eisenstat says parents can call the Kentucky Poison Center for free advice if they believe their child may be suffering a medical issue due to exposure to THC.
It is unclear from the citation if this was an isolated incident or if any other children were also provided access to the vapes.
Burnette’s preliminary hearing is set for February 24.
The district says school safety monitors are different from school safety officers. Monitors, like Burnette, have no police authority or power and do not carry weapons. They help monitor student activity in the hallways and cafeteria.
Source: WAVE
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