Wyoming Teacher Collared for Cocaine

(Cheyenne, Wyoming) A 41-year-old sixth-grade teacher at Bain Elementary School, Irena F. Mondello, was arrested last week for alleged criminal offenses involving a cocaine ring.

Mondello has been charged with two counts each of lying to federal investigators and attempting to possess cocaine. By the looks of things, the government seems to have a strong case against her.

More troubling is that Mondello was involved with the anti-drug DARE program at school.

David Janes, the DARE officer for the Cheyenne Police Department, immediately recognized Mondello as a Bain teacher when contacted Thursday.

He said he spent one hour per week for 14 straight weeks in her class talking to her students about the dangers of using drugs.

Janes repeated his disappointment in Mondello's arrest multiple times, saying her alleged actions undermine the program.

"It's absolutely disappointing because DARE is all about helping the kids make healthy choices," he said.

It's going to be tough explaining to the kids even though the school immediately notified the kids' parents by letter and placed Mondello on suspension.

Mondello was booked into federal custody and released on Friday on $10,000 bail. U.S. Magistrate Judge William Beaman ordered Mondello to undergo substance abuse evaluation.

Regarding the drug ring, 13 people have been arrested thus far and more are possible.