Virginia Teacher Accused of Dealing Drugs

(Washington County, Virginia) A 30-year-old teacher formerly at Holston High School in Damascas, Jodi Lee Counts, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of drug crimes and child abuse offenses. The arrest came as a result of a state and federal investigation launched in May 2008.

Counts has been charged with five counts of possession with intent to distribute, manufacture, or sell drugs and five counts of child abuse or neglect.

According to Washington County Sheriff Fred Newman, Counts was allegedly selling cocaine, methamphetamine and hydrocodone in the presence of her three children.

The cloud of suspicion hung over Jodi Lee Counts for eight months.

“We received information that she was distributing narcotics in the community and as a result of that. We set up an undercover investigation,“ said Sheriff Fred Newman, Washington County, Virginia.

The investigation by five local and federal agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

While the investigation was underway, she worked for nearly two months as a teacher here at Holston High School in Damascus.

Jodi Lee Counts was booked into custody and subsequently released Monday night on $20,000 bond.