BARROW COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Barrow County deputies are investigating after allegedly discovering a long-time teacher helped her 18-year-old babysitter get hold of a controlled substance before her death.
Investigators said Emily Susan Smith, a math teacher at Winder Barrow Middle School, arranged for the teen to obtain drugs.
Authorities said they determined that Smith provided the drugs to the teen after reading texts between the two on the teen's cell phone.
"The evidence in the text showed that a transaction was going to transpire and they were going to coordinate the delivery of the narcotics," said Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith.
According to police, the babysitter received the drugs and was found dead in her bed the next day. Investigators said toxicology reports showed high levels of methadone and Xanax in the teen's system.
The sheriff said deputies have also issued an arrest warrant for a second suspect who has yet to be located.
"Anytime a young person passes away that's unexplained and the results are this, it's very tragic for all parties involved," Jud Smith said. "It's very troubling."
Barrow County School Superintendent Wanda Creel said Emily Susan Smith worked for the district for 14 years and was well-liked by students.
"We have no reason to believe that this was taking place on campus or in our classrooms," said Creel. "Of course we are concerned, deeply concerned, and always want to make sure our students have responsible adults that are guiding them and serving as models for them every day."
Creel said the district put Emily Susan Smith on paid leave, but the teacher resigned hours later.
Emily Susan Smith is charged with reckless conduct, criminal attempt distribution of a controlled substance and use of a communication facility in commission of a criminal attempt to distribute a controlled substance. She posted $8,000 and was released from jail.
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Emily Susan Smith
