LONDON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A North Laurel Middle School teacher has been arrested after she allegedly had narcotics on her while on school grounds and also allegedly assaulted a police officer.
43-year-old Melissa Neeley was arrested Wednesday afternoon by Laurel County Public Schools Police.
According to Neeley's arrest citation, police obtained a search warrant to look into her purse and vehicle. The responding officer found several pill bottles, one of which contained the improper medication for Hydrocodone. The prescription was for a 7.5, and the pill inside was a 10, according to the citation. There was also a blue plastic pill crusher and a "white powder residue" located both inside her purse and vehicle.
Neeley is charged with buying and possessing drug paraphernalia, prescription of a controlled substance that's not properly contained, and 3rd-degree assault of a police officer. She's being held in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Laurel County Public Schools Superintendent Denise Griebel issued the following statement:
We understand that parents/guardians have concerns regarding an incident of an employee at North Laurel Middle School on 11/15/2023. There was no threat to student or staff safety during this incident. The employee is currently not working at the school, pending further investigation. The district can release no additional information due to an ongoing criminal investigation.
Laurel County Public Schools takes all reports of alleged personnel misconduct very seriously and follows applicable district policies and procedures when responding to and investigating complaints. The district appreciates the quick action of our Laurel County Schools Police Department.
Laurel County Public Schools works diligently to ensure all students and staff remain safe while in our schools.
