A Columbus High School teacher was arrested Monday on drug charges following a traffic stop.
Ryan Ricoh Bogan, 33, of Columbus, faces two counts for possession of a controlled substance and one count for possession of marijuana, all misdemeanors. He was also charged for driving with no headlights or tail lights, according to a Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Deputies on Monday conducted a traffic stop of Bogan’s vehicle after observing him driving without headlights or tail lights. During the stop, deputies allegedly found marijuana, suspected methamphetamine and other controlled substances inside the vehicle.
Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said the arrest and traffic stop were conducted early Monday morning before school hours and not on school district property.
In a statement sent to The Dispatch on Tuesday, Interim Superintendent Craig Chapman said Bogan has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with the district’s employee handbook procedures.
“We are working closely with the sheriff’s department to gather more information regarding this incident,” Chapman said in the statement. “The Columbus Municipal School District remains committed to transparency and accountability. We hold our employees to the highest standards, both inside and outside the classroom, and we will continue to uphold these expectations.”
Bogan is being held at Lowndes County Adult Detention Center, with bond set at $1,412.
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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