Portland, OR - A Benson Polytechnic High School teacher indicted on drug charges claims she's innocent.
Spanish teacher Zuleyma Figueroa is charged with possessing and delivering methamphetamine.
Detectives executed a search warrant at Figueroa's Southeast Portland home in late November. They found approximately one ounce of methamphetamine and nearly $10,000 in cash, as well as packaging materials and scales.
"At this time we're not aware of student involvement or other teacher involvement," added Sergeant Greg Stewart of the Portland Police Bureau.
A search warrant showed detectives used two informants to make drug buys at the home on the 142 block of Southeast Lincoln on at least three occasions. The informants identified Figueroa and another woman who lived at the home, 40-year-old Connie Mendez-Hernandez, as the ones who sold the meth.
"Nobody would've expected it," said student Nick Blank. "She's pretty nice, a pretty fair, good teacher, taught her students well."
Figueroa has been on unpaid leave since the beginning of the investigation.
"These allegations are very serious," said Portland Public Schools spokesperson Matt Shelby. "She's a very popular teacher and I know a lot of people, teachers and students included at the school, that are in shock about this thing."
Back in July of 2003, Figueroa was arrested for driving under the influence. Those charges were eventually dismissed after she completed alcohol treatment.
After surrendering to police on Friday, Figueroa pleaded not guilty in court and her trial was scheduled to begin February 8th. As part of an agreement with the district attorney, the judge released her, with supervision required, until her next court date on February 5th.
