Pittsburgh high school teacher surrenders on drug charges

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh high school teacher, accused of trying to grow and sell marijuana, has surrendered to police, CBS Pittsburgh reported.

Thomas Jefferson High School teacher Scott Hauk and his girlfriend were arraigned Wednesday on drug charges.

Police reports indicate officers found marijuana, marijuana plants, as well as extensive equipment used to grow the drug in a hidden room.

“There’s no indication of any children being involved, no students, nothing involving the high school,” said Chuck LoPresti, Hauk's defense attorney. “This is just a simple case that, in my opinion, has gotten a little overblown here.”

The school district says a search of Hauk’s computer, office and any property showed no evidence there were any drugs or drug transactions on campus or that any students were involved in any illegal drug activity.

Officials at the West Jefferson Hills School District don’t see it that way.  Their concern is the felony arrest and drug charges against an 11-year teacher and what he represents to students.

“Anytime teachers are involved in any type of activity such as this...it’s very, very disappointing,” Superintendent Dr. Michael Panza told CBS Pittsburgh. “Teachers are supposed to be role models for children and we are very sorry to hear that this has happened.”

The station reported Hauck is suspended from his teaching post and will meetiwith school district officials. Sources indicate he will likely be fired.

Following his arraignment, the high school tech teacher was asked if he had anything to say to his students, to which he replied: “I’ll miss you guys.”