Sixth-Graders Arrested On Drug Charges

Sat., May 13, 2000

Deputies arrested two sixth-graders at Liberty Lake Elementary School last week after other students allegedly spotted them with marijuana on the playground at recess.

Charges of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver are pending. However, the boys have been assigned to the diversion program of Spokane County Juvenile Court.

If they complete that program satisfactorily, no charges will be filed. The diversion program ordinarily includes community service and special classes.

The boys were arrested May 1.

Apparently both youths had brought marijuana to school and were trying to sell it to each other, said Dennis Olson, principal at Liberty Lake Elementary.

Both boys were expelled.

Olson said that not only were these the first two expulsions at Liberty Lake Elementary, but the first in his 29-year education career.

“But the good news is that (four) boys came straight to me the minute morning recess was over” to report the marijuana incident, Olson said.

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