A Wyoming Area School District teacher is suspended with pay and accused of providing nicotine and intoxicating gummies to a group of students, according to newly filed court paperwork.
Sarah Kester, 34, is charged with corruption of minors. She is free on $7,500 bail and scheduled for a preliminary hearing Jan. 23 in Luzerne County Central Court.
According to police, Kester provided a group of students with gummies laced with Delta-8 THC. The federal Food and Drug Administration says that Delta-8 THC has intoxicating effects similar to those of Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana.
The students also were given nicotine vape pens and were asked to throw eggs at the home of Kester's ex-fiancé, but the students refused to do so.
According to her attorney, Kester is suspended with pay.
The Wyoming Area School District issued the following statement:
The Wyoming Area School District is aware that charges have been filed against a district employee. When we became aware of reports of the alleged conduct, we quickly responded through our policies and procedures, and through the personnel process. Ms. Kester has been on leave since September 25, 2023, while these allegations were investigated, and she will continue to be on leave until the matter has been resolved.
We are saddened about the impact this may have on our students and community. The students affected have been offered counseling services. If you have any additional information about these allegations, please contact your local law enforcement agency to report it. At this time, we will withhold any additional comments due to the ongoing legal and personnel proceedings.