Denver Middle School Teacher Convicted After Giving Students Drug-Laced Treats as Academic Prize
A disturbing breach of trust has rocked a Denver school community as former Kepner Beacon Middle School teacher Sharon Wilson, 55, was found guilty Thursday of two counts of misdemeanor child abuse for giving marijuana-laced brownies to students as an academic reward.
The verdict, delivered in Denver County Court, sends a sobering message to Colorado families about the importance of maintaining strict boundaries between recreational marijuana - legal for adults in our state - and our children's educational environments.
Academic Achievement Turned Dangerous
The incident occurred after two students won a classroom competition for identifying Greek and Latin root words. What should have been a moment of academic celebration turned dangerous when Wilson provided the young teens with homemade brownies that later tested positive for THC.
"The brownie had a weird sour taste," testified one 13-year-old victim, who reported experiencing dizziness, excessive hunger, and disorientation after consuming the treat.
Parents' Worst Nightmare
The situation came to light when one student's mother noticed her son displaying concerning symptoms:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Unusual behavior
- Difficulty walking to his mother's car
- Nausea and disorientation
According to prosecutor Brad Watts, the concerned parent took immediate action by having her son medically evaluated and reporting the incident to both school administrators and law enforcement. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of THC in the remaining brownie sample.
School District Response
Denver Public Schools spokesman Scott Pribble confirmed that Wilson "separated" from the district before the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The case highlights the critical importance of maintaining professional standards in Colorado's educational institutions.
Awaiting Sentencing
According to Denver District Attorney spokesman Matt Jablow, Wilson's sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. The conviction carries potential consequences for child abuse, a particularly serious charge given Colorado's commitment to protecting students in educational settings.
This case serves as a reminder to Colorado families about the importance of open communication with their children about school experiences and the need for continued vigilance in keeping recreational marijuana products away from minors, even as our state embraces legal adult use.
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