By Ashley McCarty
Maysville Ledger Independent
On the high of the academic award recently bestowed upon Ripley Union Lewis Huntington Local School District and the RULH Middle School, an unfortunate incident occurred after their festive Christmas concert Tuesday, police said.
School personnel found a bag with a large amount of controlled substance in the bleachers, according to a statement from School administrators. The substance was confirmed by Aberdeen Police Chief David Benjamin to be methamphetamine, officials said.
According to Superintendent Jamie Wilkins, the bleachers are cleaned and shut down daily, so the substance was likely brought into the building during the performance.
“It’s a shame things like this happen,” Wilkins said.
After the substance was discovered, police were immediately contacted.
“Student safety is always our top priority at RULH Schools,” according to the district’s statement.
Benjamin said that the bag was immediately sent out and tested.
“Thank goodness for the principal. It could have put the lives of innocent children in danger,” said Benjamin, who also said investigators may be able to get DNA evidence and fingerprints off the bag to locate and prosecute the suspect accordingly.
The police are also reviewing surveillance footage of the incident. Benjamin said that the best thing the suspect can do is come forward and turn themselves in.
Wilkins said he welcomes any questions or concerns over the incident. He can be reached at 937-392-4396.