Drug-Dealing Teacher Bronwyn Kugle Gets Prison

(Kailua, Hawaii) In February 2007, math and reading teacher at Kaelepule Elementary School, Bronwyn Kugle, was arrested on federal drug charges and for possessing a loaded weapon not registered to her. Kugle allegedly conspired to distribute cocaine and Ecstasy.

In June, Kugle pleaded guilty to federal drug and firearms charges including conspiring to distribute one kilogram of cocaine, over 1,000 tablets of Ecstasy and possession of a loaded firearm. Kugle was also found to possess user amounts of crystal methamphetamine. Kugle expressed embarrassment and apologies to the court.

Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway sentenced 39-year-old Kugle to 37 months in federal prison and criminal forfeiture of her interest in a Kailua residence.

Ed Kubo, U.S. Attorney for the Hawai'i District, described Kugle as a user of cocaine and methamphetamine who had turned to selling drugs in order to support her habit. She had provided financing for drug deals by utilizing the equity of her residence, said Kubo.

Kugle was arrested after she accepted a parcel shipped from California containing drugs that had been previously intercepted by federal agents.

Mortgaging real property to facilitate drug dealing shows a fairly substantial commitment to the criminal activity.