By By Staff reports
Four Northview High School students were charged with drug related felonies, and other students could face charges after handling prescription pills that sent three to a local hospital last week.
The Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff's Department charged the students Tuesday.
Jessica Ellis, who is 18, and Robert Vardeman, who is 17, were charged possession of a controlled substance. Justin Hester, who is 15, and Jacob Grim, who is 16, were charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school.
The minors were released to the custody of their parents, said Sgt. Ted Roy with the Sheriff's Department. Ellis, who is 18, was released on bond.
Roy said one student brought the pills to school after getting them from his home. The drugs were prescription pills: a combination of Lorazepam and Darvocet. Investigators said some of the students crushed the pills and snorted them.
The investigation is still ongoing and more students could be charged and more charges could be filed, Roy said.
Florida schools have a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, and the students involved in the pill episode face possible suspension or expulsion.
Northview Principal Gayle Weaver said the school intended to follow the school system's policies regarding drugs in school, but would provide "due process" for the students charged.