POLICE UNCOVER COUNTERFEIT DRUG SALES AT LAKOTA FRESHMAN SCHOOL

A group of Lakota freshmen students turned in their peers for
conducting an elaborate counterfeit drug scheme Thursday.

West Chester Police have three Lakota Freshman School students under
arrest, according to our partners at Local 12-WKRC. The teens are all
15 years old.

One of the students apparently was arranging to sell drugs to another
but was caught smoking pot at a school bus stop and suspended from
school, Local 12 reports. That student allegedly hired a go-between
to complete the sale, but that student was also caught smoking pot
and suspended. Police told Local 12 they uncovered the scheme while
investigating the second student's drug use.

The third student under arrest is the alleged buyer, Local 12
reports. Detectives said that student was prepared to spend less than
$100 on a combination of marijuana, hash, and cocaine. When police
looked at substance, they discovered the cocaine was flour and the
hash was an energy drink. The marijuana was real.

"What makes this situation different it that a group of students
reported it," said Jon Weidlich, director of school and community
relations. "We had a group of students that said we don't want this
in our school and went to the principal. The Freshman School has
created a culture where students take pride in their school."

A letter to Lakota parents from Freshman School Principal Keith Kline:

"Dear parents;

I am writing you to tell you about several students who have made us
very proud today. They are students who have pride in their school
and in themselves, and who are actively working to make sure their
school is safe and trouble-free.

This week, several of our students witnessed a classmate who passed
what appears to be illegal drugs to a second student. Our students
immediately reported this information to school administrators and,
as a result, the situation was quickly resolved. The offending
students were promptly removed from school and we were able to
continue with our school day. As a precaution, we temporary locked
down our building so that we could partner with the West Chester
Police canine unit to search other areas of our building.

You, your children and the staff at the Lakota Freshman School have
worked hard to create a culture in which students will not tolerate
improper activity. Lakota freshman students have proven themselves to
be both mature and responsible. I know you join me in being proud of
your children.

I hope you will continue to work with us and with your children as we
work through the second half of what has been a terrific school year.
Your sons and daughters are growing into responsible young adults and
I am pleased to be able to spend time with them each day.

If you have questions about today's events, please do not hesitate to
contact us here at school.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kline