CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Cheatham County middle school teacher was arrested and fired after authorities found her in possession of a substance that tested positive for cocaine on school property.
The investigation into 24-year-old Mia King began with an anonymous tip to the narcotics unit of the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities took that anonymous tip very seriously.
“During her lunch break, [she] would go out to her vehicle and use…[then] come back and teach class afterwards,” lieutenant Shannon Heflin said, describing the caller’s allegations.
Cheatham County school resource officers went into the sixth grade English teacher’s classroom when no students were present. According to investigators, three small bags were found in King’s purse. Two of the bags contained a white powder and, according to investigators, the powder tested positive for cocaine. Narcotics investigators added the third bag tested positive for residue. Additionally, authorities found a small spoon and a rolled-up $5 bill.
When drug agents interviewed King — who began working with the school system in 2023 and whose personnel file showed no prior disciplinary issues — they determined she was under the influence.
“It is very shocking,” Heflin said. “She’s trusted with our kids — supposed to be in there teaching, but to have a dangerous drug such as cocaine in her classroom? Yeah, it’s shocking.”
Heflin added authorities had no reason to believe children had any access to the substances in King’s purse, noting authorities think it was solely for her personal use.
News 2 contacted King by phone, but she respectfully declined to comment on the case or provide comment to anyone at her school.
“I hate this happened. I feel sorry for the young lady. I know she probably ruined her whole career in one day, but that doesn’t change the fact that we have a zero-tolerance policy in our schools,” Tim Binkley, Cheatham County sheriff, said. “We’re not backing away from that for anybody — school teachers, police officers, nobody.”
King was arrested on multiple drug charges and, as of publication, is out of jail on a $5,500 bond. King was terminated by Cheatham County Schools on Monday.
“The safety and well-being of our students is one of our top priorities, and we are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students,” a statement from Cheatham County Schools reads, in part. “We are fully cooperating with the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office.”
