FAYETTE COUNTY, Tenn. — A school coach is facing charges after authorities found drugs and a gun during a search at a high school Wednesday in Fayette County.
The drug search occurred Oct. 25 around 8 a.m. at Fayette Ware High School, conducted by officers with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, 25th Judicial Drug Task Force, West Tennessee Drug Task Force, and the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.
During the search, a K9 helped officers locate drugs in a white Mercedes that belonged to girl’s basketball coach Jireh Washington, according to an affidavit.
Officers found marijuana in Washington’s car along with a handgun.
Washington was cited for simple possession of schedule VI on school property and violation of a drug free school zone.
One juvenile student and adult student were also cited for a simple possession of schedule VI on school property after the drug search, according to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said the operation was part of an attempt to keep Fayette County’s schools safe and drug free. The sheriff’s office also said it is working to reinstate its School Resource Officer program and provide officers with instructor training for the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.
Dr. Versie R. Hamlett, superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS), said in a released statement that the search was done in accordance with their new safety measures. She said Washington, aligning with school board policy, has been suspended indefinitely without pay pending the investigation and final charges.
Hamlett also said the students will be disciplined in accordance with policy.
"We remain committed to establishing and maintaining a drug-free school system," Hamlett said in the statement. "FCPS will continue to provide and support random drug and weapon searches as part of the preventative measures in place to keep our students and staff safe."
