VERNON — A Washington County school teacher arrested on felony drug charges is slated to return to his Vernon Middle School classroom Feb. 24.
Charges against James Edward Tyre, who entered a pre-trial agreement during his December court appearance, will be dropped if he meets the terms of the six-month agreement, which includes completing a drug counseling program.
Tyre was arrested in Panama City Beach in November after police found him passed out in front of a convenience store, allegedly with controlled substances and paraphernalia. Police said they found clear baggies in Tyre’s pockets and inside his vehicle with the assistance of a police K-9 unit before taking him to jail on the charges. Police also reported finding less than 20 grams marijuana during the search, which is a misdemeanor offense.
According to arrest records, K-9 officer Blitz detected a clear baggie in Tyre’s front pocket containing cocaine, a sunglasses case containing a baggie of marijuana, a glass pipe and Visine; and a cigarette pack with a baggie of marijuana within. Under the driver’s seat, where police found Tyre, Blitz found another baggie with a white powdery residue coating its lining and containing a small amount of marijuana, police reported.
Tyre was first placed on paid — then unpaid leave — from his duties as a teacher at Vernon Middle School with Washington County Superintendent of Schools Joseph Taylor indicating he would recommend the teacher be placed on unpaid leave until Tyre’s next court date.
Taylor could not be reached for comment Friday.