Teacher Guilty of Cocaine Charge

(Lewiston, New York) In February, 59-year-old substitute teacher for the Lewiston-Porter Central School District, Joan M. Donatelli, admitted that she snorted cocaine in front of her fourth-grade students.

Donatelli was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Yesterday in Lewiston Town Court, Donatelli pleaded guilty to seventh-degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in accordance with a plea agreement. In exchange, Niagara County District Attorney Matt Murphy dropped two child endangering charges. The seventh-degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor which carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail.

Judge Thomas J. Sheeran will schedule a sentencing date after reviewing the recommendations of county probation officials. It's anticipated to require a couple months.


[Update 06/28/07]

Donatelli sentenced.