Prosecutor: Teacher had cocaine delivered to school

A teacher is accused of having cocaine delivered to Holmes Middle School in Covington.

Arin Staples resigned Aug. 15 after being questioned by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

A Kenton County Grand Jury indicted Staples on a felony drug charge Thursday, said Rob Sanders, Kenton County Commonwealth's attorney.

"There are multiple instances of her obtaining cocaine ... (and) receiving it from a drug dealer on school property, among other places," Sanders said.

Staples could face up to five years in prison if convicted, he said.

The indictment comes little more than a week after Quincey Tyus, a security assistant at the school, was arrested and charged for drug trafficking.

Holmes Middle School is part of the Covington Independent Public School District.

Superintendent Alvin Garrison said in a prepared statement the district is reviewing its employment policies and procedures.

"We are deeply saddened and troubled by this unfortunate situation. But we must move forward and focus on educating our students," Garrison said.

Garrison said in an email to staff last week DEA agents visited the middle school twice since classes started Aug. 13.

Agents interviewed three employees, he said in the email.

All of those employees have resigned or been suspended, Sanders said.

Sanders declined to comment about the "larger drug-trafficking organization" the DEA is investigating.

"I can say it is not related to the school, (but) I can't comment on the specifics because it is part of an ongoing federal investigation," he said.

A spokesperson for the DEA's regional office also declined to comment about the investigation.

"There is no evidence or allegations that the individuals dealt or shared drugs with students," Sanders said.

He said he expected other indictments.

Staples is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 8.