A former science teacher at Holston High School in Damascus, Va., was arrested Monday morning on multiple drug and child abuse charges stemming from a seven-month undercover investigation, Washington County Sheriff Fred Newman said Monday.
Jodi Lee Counts, 30, of Meadowview, Va., was charged with five counts of child abuse or neglect and five drug-related counts, including possession, intent to manufacture and distribution – of schedule I, I, and III drugs. But the charges do not involve students, Newman said.
“The charges are a result of distribution from her residence, I believe,” he said. “She does have three children, that’s where the abuse and neglect charges come from. The kids were present while sales were being conducted.”
On Oct. 27, the Washington County School Board accepted the resignation of the earth science teacher, according to memorandums from the Washington County School Board.
“She had come to us as a new teacher this fall, from Russell County, I think,” said Curtis Burkett, a school board member. “I remember releasing her as a teacher, but as far as why, I couldn’t discuss that.”
Counts is accused of holding, selling or making drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and hydrocodone, from her home on Summit Drive, the sheriff said.
Investigators from the Abingdon Police Department, Virginia State Police, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the effort.
Newman said he could not comment on Counts’ resignation or her transfer from Russell County.
“To our knowledge, the drug charges do not involve her students,” he said.
Burkett said he could not comment on the resignation or transfer because they are “personnel” issues.
“If there were problems in Russell County, we didn’t know about them,” he said. “We wouldn’t have hired her.”
A phone message left for Washington County School Superintendent Alan Lee was not immediately returned Monday night.
ahunter@bristolnews.com | (276) 6
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