Indiana high school teacher charged after video purportedly shows her snorting drugs

FOX 32 NEWS - A northwest Indiana high school teacher was charged Monday after video posted last week to social media reportedly showed her snorting drugs.

The teacher identified by police as Samantha Cox, teaches at Lake Central High School in St. John, Ind., was charged with felony possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia, a misdemeanor, according to court records

The 24-year-old English teacher was allegedly caught doing drugs on cellphone video Wednesday by students outside the classroom. 

"It's absolutely, I can't' really describe it. It's just atrocious," said Kasia Firlej, a parent of a child at the school.

The video shows a woman sitting in the corner of an empty classroom, allegedly doing drugs. 
Students witnessed the action, recorded it and reported it to the Lake Central High School principal. 

St. John police got the call around 11 a.m. about a possible narcotics situation. 

Another cellphone video appears to show Cox in handcuffs, being escorted out of the high school. 
One parent said the news spread quickly through the halls of the high school. 
 
The Lake Central superintendent Dr. Larry Verraco sent a recorded message Wednesday afternoon to parents: "Earlier today, Lake Central administration was made aware of a situation regarding a teacher at Lake Central High School. Swift and forceful action was taken in conjunction with St. John and Dyer police departments. The safety of all students remains the top priority of our school staff and a full investigation is ongoing."

St. John police praised the students who told the principal about their suspicions. 

“They are supposed to be role models,” parent Jim Contreras said. “It's pretty shocking:"