Drug count spurs TPS probe

7/20/2005

A Toledo Public Schools employee is under investigation by the district and law enforcement after she and her husband were arrested on drug charges.

Sherlon Carswell and Duane Williams, both 34 and both of 344 Hiett Ave., each were charged with two counts of possession of cocaine and two counts of trafficking in drugs (cocaine) after authorities seized about a kilo of powder cocaine, about 70 grams of crack cocaine, and more than $8,000 at their home.

The drugs have an estimated street value of more than $200,000, said Sgt. Bob Marzec of the Toledo-Metro Drug Task Force.

Ms. Carswell, whose last name was Williams in court records, is a paraprofessional - similar to an aide - specializing in special education.

She was hired by the district in 1992.

Clinton Faulkner, executive assistant to the superintendent for human resources, said the district is investigating the matter, which it learned about yesterday. He said there has been no change in her job status.

The couple was arrested July 12, when task force members searched their home.

They posted bond, but Williams was arrested again Monday night for possession of powder cocaine.

Sergeant Marzec said task force members arrested Williams at 1920 Collingwood Blvd. after they found him with about a half-ounce of powder cocaine worth about $2,800.

He was being held in the Lucas County jail in lieu of a $10,000 bond.

The sergeant said police forced their way into the couple's residence last week after Williams did not open the door. They found the cocaine in different locations - some in plain view, some in a kitchen drawer, he said.

He said surveillance cameras were in the residence, with monitors in the bedroom and basement. Authorities seized two vehicles during the search and a third when they arrested Williams this week.

Sergeant Marzec said the police investigation has been ongoing for two years, when the couple was arrested on similar charges, which were later dismissed. He alleged Williams was a larger supplier of cocaine within the Toledo area.

When he was arrested Monday, Williams told police he was "just trying to make some money to pay for [his] attorney," the sergeant said.

Ms. Carswell could not be reached for comment.