In a startling incident that sent shockwaves through the Amherst community, two residents now face criminal charges following the ingestion of fentanyl-laced gummies by several students at Central Elementary School. This alarming occurrence prompted urgent pleas from the school division’s chief official, urging the public to remain vigilant about the perils of drug use.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday when emergency medical services transported two Central Elementary School students to Lynchburg General Hospital, while other parents independently took additional students to the same hospital. One parent sought medical treatment at Bedford Memorial Hospital. At a subsequent news conference, School Resource Officer Brandon Payne discovered residue in a baggie containing the gummies, later confirmed to test positive for fentanyl—a potent opioid.
A search warrant executed at 143 Pendleton Drive in Amherst County led to the arrests of Clifford Dugan and Nicole Sanders. Dugan faces charges of possessing a firearm as a nonviolent felon and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, abuse of a child. Sanders is charged with possession of a Schedule 1 or II drug and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, abuse of a child. While Dugan is held without bond at the Amherst County Adult Detention Center, Sanders is held with bonds set at $1,000 and $1,500.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are anticipated, according to law enforcement officials. Lt. Dallas Hill of the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office declined to disclose the nature of the relationship between the arrested individuals and the students, citing the ongoing investigation.
Amherst County officials underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring justice. The affected students, all fourth-graders in the same classroom, exhibited symptoms including nausea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle spasms. Fortunately, the fentanyl was contained within the baggie, and prompt cleaning of the building ensured no widespread contamination.
Despite the potential for a more severe outcome, the school division’s chief official, Rob Wells, reassured the community that the students and schools are now safe. The incident unfolded when a student unknowingly bought the contaminated baggie, and even ingested it. At present, there is no indication of intentional harm.
Wells acknowledged the challenges of monitoring items brought from home during lunchtime but stressed the importance of safety measures. He highlighted the need for heightened awareness among parents and students regarding the potential risks associated with sharing food or bringing items from home.
Addressing the broader issue of drug overdoses, Brad Beam, the county’s public safety director, emphasized the pervasive nature of this problem in the community. Wells echoed the sentiment, calling it a community issue that demands collective responsibility. Urging the community to confront the reality of the drug epidemic, he emphasized the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the county’s children. Without community engagement and ownership, incidents like these may persist, potentially leading to more tragic outcomes in the future.
