Elementary teacher accused of using cocaine in school bathroom; white powder allegedly found

NEW LONDON, Wis. (WBAY/Gray News) - A Wisconsin elementary school teacher has been arrested after being accused of using cocaine on campus.

Laurie Laubenstein, 58, is facing a charge of possession of cocaine with a modifier for possession of a controlled substance on or near certain places.

According to a criminal complaint, authorities said someone made an anonymous tip about Laubenstein, a teacher at Lincoln Elementary.

The tipster said a school resource officer had noticed changes in Laubenstein’s behavior.

The tipster also told police they had seen Laubenstein frequently go into the bathroom with her purse and had found bloody tissues and white powder in the restroom area.

The tipster told police that the school principal was informed about the concerns but did not take them seriously.

Authorities said a school resource officer took a sample of the white powder to the police station. It tested positive for cocaine.

The school resource officer returned to the school on Feb. 12 with a police K-9 and searched Laubenstein, finding cocaine in her purse and coat pocket, the complaint said.

According to the New London Police Department, investigators interviewed Laubenstein, who told them she had started using cocaine in August.

Police said she also admitted to using cocaine that day before school started and after school, as well as in the classroom and teacher’s lounge bathrooms.

Laubenstein told police that she always cleans up after herself and would never put her students in danger.

The school district sent a letter to parents and families notifying them of the investigation and saying that at no point were students or staff in harm’s way.

Officials said the situation remains under investigation.