Teacher Cleared in Illegal Alcohol Case - Updated

(Gary, Indiana) Beveridge Elementary School teacher Danielle Purnell-Hopkins, 39, arrested more than two years ago for alleged illegal sale of alcohol, is now free.

All charges were dismissed this week by Gary City Court Judge Pro Tem Itsia Rivera.

At the bench trial Tuesday, Antoin Whitehead testified that he gave liquor to Purnel-Hopkins, he didn't sell it.

The results of the school investigation have not been reported.

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Liquor Delivered to Indiana Schools, Teacher Arrested
[Previous 4/24/09 post]
(Gary, Indiana) A 37-year-old special education teacher at Beveridge Elementary School, Daniele Purnell-Hopkins, was arrested yesterday after undercover cops observed her taking delivery of bottles of liquor at the back door of the school.

Police cleared her classroom before locating bottles of wine and vodka in the closet where she hangs her coat, Tatum said. She is charged with maintaining a common nuisance.

Gary Community School Corp. spokeswoman Sarita Stevens said the school is conducting a separate investigation into policy violations, including possession of alcohol on school property.

"We are cooperating fully with the Gary police," Stevens said. "We're not trying to protect a law-breaker."

Also arrested was alleged curb-service hooch delivery man, 31-year-old Antwoin L. Whitehead (aka Antwoin Ezell).

Investigators learned Whitehead has been making rounds at several Gary schools selling liquor to teachers and principals for about four years. He also sells purses and jewelry, taking special orders for some items, police said.

The school system is conducting an investigation and Purnell-Hopkins may face discipline for policy violations.

In any event, a critic might suggest that instances of less-than-desired performance in Gary schools is directly related to teachers and administrators being half-lit all the time.