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Lori Riley Whitley, 38, and her husband, Gary, 41, face multiple charges, including manufacturing methamphetamine and child abuse.
(Screenshot from WRAL)
A North Carolina elementary school teacher was arrested Friday after police found a meth lab inside her house.
The New York Daily News reports Lori Riley Whitley, 38, and her husband, Gary, 41, face charges such as manufacturing methamphetamine and child abuse.
Authorities say they discovered "meth-making equipment" during a search at the couple's home in Zebulon, a town about 24 miles east of Raleigh. The couple's 8-year-old son was placed in the custody of the Department of Social Services.
WRAL says Lori has been a third-grade teacher at Wendell Elementary School since 2002. According to Wake County Public Schools System spokeswoman Lisa Luten, Lori has been suspended with pay.
Bernard Brodie, a neighbor to the Whitley's, tells WRAL that Lori is "a good lady." He says he recently noticed strong chemical odor coming from house, but had no idea an illegal drug operation was happening there.
"It's unreal," Brodie says. "It's unreal."
The News & Observer reports the Whitleys each face four felony and two misdemeanor charges. The felony counts are for manufacturing methamphetamine; conspiracy; maintaining a dwelling; and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The misdemeanor charges include child abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The couple was booked into the Johnston County jail, the Daily News adds. Lori was held on a $157,500 bond and her husband was booked on a $207,500 bond.