Former teacher faces drug charges

LAFAYETTE, Ind (WLFI) - A former Klondike Middle School teacher and a friend face two counts of Possession of Marijuana.

James R. Page,61, and Samuel D. Patterson, 60, were arrested on September 12th after an Indiana State Police trooper spotted marijuana plants growing at a house near Old US 231. Page was a health and wellness teacher in the Tippecanoe School Corporation.

Court documents said Patterson was found with a pair of shears in his hand and appeared to be trimming the plants behind his house. Page was sitting on the steps behind the house. Patterson gave the officer permission to search the premises. According to police, several marijuana plants were found growing in the basement. IN the bedroom some paraphernalia was found, including a one-hitter box and a pipe. In the kitchen scales were located and two jars containing green plant material that field-tested positive for marijuana. In addition, about 35 marijuana plants were found being grown behind the house and in weeds to the sides of the residence. The officer also said there was an additional pile of marijuana plants beside a tree that appeared to have just been harvested. The officer said a shed was set up as a drying room.

The Affidavit of Probable Cause said Page was interviewed and stated he was aware that Patterson was growing marijuana at the residence, and admitted that he was helping Patterson. The report also states Page admitted that he used marijuana "recreationally" and also that his wife smoked marijuana occasionally. Page had a book in his car on growing marijuana.

Court documents said Paterson admitted he was growing the marijuana at his residence. Patterson said the he had obtained clippings from someone else's marijuana plants which were used for the growing operation.

Page was a health and wellness teacher at Klondike Middle School. He resigned last month. He had been with the Tippecanoe School Corporation for 39 years.