NEW LONDON, WISCONSIN — A 58-year-old kindergarten teacher has been placed on administrative leave after police say she admitted to using cocaine inside her classroom bathroom, where students also had access.
Laurie Laubenstein was arrested Thursday and charged with possession of cocaine following an investigation at Lincoln Elementary School in New London. She was later released from the Waupaca County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on March 17.
What Authorities Confirmed
According to a criminal complaint reviewed by Law&Crime, the investigation began after an anonymous tipster contacted the school resource officer, reporting a noticeable change in Laubenstein’s behavior.
The tipster allegedly described the teacher as “scatterbrained” and “easily losing focus.” She also told police that she found white powder on the counter of the bathroom located inside Laubenstein’s classroom, along with bloody tissues in the trash.
The individual said she had previously raised concerns with the school principal but felt she was not being taken seriously. Another staff member reportedly shared similar concerns and claimed to have seen the powder and bloody tissues after Laubenstein used a private bathroom.
Police said the principal told one individual that he had spoken to Laubenstein and believed “the children were not at risk.”
Drug Testing and Arrest
After additional powder was reportedly found on Laubenstein’s desk chair and in the classroom bathroom, the school resource officer conducted an on-site drug test. The first test returned negative, but officers believed the sample was compromised. A second collection later tested positive for cocaine.
On Feb. 12, officers returned to the school parking lot with a K-9 unit. The dog alerted to the presence of narcotics in Laubenstein’s Buick Envision SUV. Although no drugs were located in the vehicle itself, officers said cocaine was found in her purse and coat pocket.
Laubenstein was taken to the New London Police Department, where she waived her rights and agreed to speak with investigators.
Teacher’s Statements to Police
According to the complaint, Laubenstein admitted to purchasing $200 worth of cocaine earlier in the week. She initially told officers she did not use cocaine “all the time” but later acknowledged using it in the teachers’ lounge bathroom and on the changing table inside her kindergarten classroom’s bathroom.
Police noted that students also had access to the bathroom and were tall enough to reach the changing table. One student in the class was reportedly still in diapers.
Laubenstein told investigators that she “has never left cocaine in the bathroom and always cleans up after herself.” She also reportedly said cocaine “never did anything for her” and that she did not understand why she continued using it.
Local ABC affiliate WBAY reported that Laubenstein was placed on administrative leave pending further proceedings.
The case remains active as she awaits her court appearance.
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