(Stillwater, Okla.) — A Cushing High School student was arraigned Tuesday afternoon on charges of possessing the illegal drug, Ecstasy, and being intoxicated by it, both at school.
Tyler Don Watkins, 18, who was arrested by Cushing police Monday, was being held in the Payne County Jail Tuesday afternoon on $2,500 bail, authorities told KUSH.
Watkins was ordered Tuesday by Special District Judge Michael Stano to return to court Wednesday with an attorney to represent him on the charges, which carry a maximum penalty of 21 years’ incarceration and $20,500 in fines on conviction.
Cushing Police Officers Lucas Armenta and Bill McCarty were sent to the Cushing High School just before 1 p.m. Monday after a school administrator reported that Watkins “appeared to be under the influence and was beginning to act belligerent,” Cushing Police Chief Terry Brannon said in a press release.
“When police arrived, they contacted Watkins in the school office. According to the arrest affidavit presented by Officer Armenta, he recognized Watkins was unsteady on his feet, had disorganized thoughts and was difficult to understand,” the press release said.
“When questioned by Officer Armenta about his being intoxicated, Watkins said he had taken an Ecstasy pill over the weekend and was still ‘feeling it,"” the press release said.
“A search of Watkins’ locker at the school yielded a small pink pill that was initially identified as Ecstasy by Watkins.
“As the investigation continued, Detective Adam Harp was able to obtain a telephonic search warrant for a residence in the 400 block of E. Broadway Street, which yielded additional evidence of suspected drug activity involving Watkins.
“Detective Harp is presenting a separate case to the Payne County D.A.’s office because of what was discovered during the search warrant,” the press release said.
“Officer Armenta arrested Watkins and brought him to the Cushing jail where he was held overnight,” prior to being transported to the Payne County Jail pending his arraignment, the press release said.
“This arrest should serve as a stern reminder that this type of criminal activity is not acceptable in our school system,” the Cushing police chief said.
“Officer Lucas Armenta, Master Patrol Officer Bill McCarty and Detective Adam Harp did a very good job investigating this case from beginning to end,” the chief said.
“I want to also commend Mr. Lauerman and Mrs. Reece, both administrators at the high school, for their cooperation and handling of this incident,” the chief said.
“The evidence seized at the school and during the search warrant will be sent to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for analysis,” Deputy Police Chief Tully Folden said.
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