Teacher Re-Arrested on Drug Charges - Updated

(Portland, Oregon) It appears that previous convictions and jail haven't affected the behavior of former teacher Zuleyma Figueroa, 37, and housemate Concepcion Mendez-Hernandez.

Both are now accused of possession of cocaine after police searched their automotive shop.

Police found Figueroa, 37, and Concepcion Mendez-Hernandez, a co-defendant in her prior drug case, were the owners of the shop. Police did not say where the shop was located, or if Mendez-Hernandez was arrested.

Police said they allowed officers to search the shop's premises. A kilogram of cocaine was found in a trash can, police said. The estimated street value of the cocaine is $100,000.

Zuleyma Figueroa is in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center.

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Teacher Gets 45 Days for Dealing Meth - Updated
[Previous 3/16/10 post]
(Portland, Oregon) Benson High School Spanish teacher Zuleyma Figueroa, 36, pleaded guilty to distributing a large quantity of methamphetamine out of the home she shared with 40-year-old Concepcion Mendez-Hernandez who also pleaded guilty to the meth offense.

Each was sentenced to 45 days in jail.

 
Figueroa -- Mendez-Hernandez
In addition to jail, each woman also received three years of probation, 64 hours of community service and $500 in fines.

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Oregon Teacher Indicted on Drug Charges
[Previous 12/18/09 post]
(Portland, Oregon) A 35-year-old Spanish teacher at Benson Polytechnic High School, Zuleyma Noemi Figueroa, has been indicted for delivery and possession of methamphetamine.

Detectives executed a search warrant at Figueroa's Southeast Portland home in late November. They found approximately one ounce of methamphetamine and nearly $10,000 in cash, as well as packaging materials and scales.

"At this time we're not aware of student involvement or other teacher involvement," added Sergeant Greg Stewart of the Portland Police Bureau.

A search warrant showed detectives used two informants to make drug buys at the home on the 142 block of Southeast Lincoln on at lkeast three occasions. The informants identified Figueroa and another woman who lived at the home, 40-year-old Connie Mendez-Hernandez, as the ones who sold the meth.

"Nobody would've expected it," said student Nick Blank. "She's pretty nice, a pretty fair, good teacher, taught her students well."

Figueroa was released with supervision. A court date is scheduled for February 5.