A Wisconsin elementary school teacher has been arrested after authorities say she was caught with cocaine and admitted to using the drug on school grounds.

Laurie Laubenstein, 58, a teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in New London, Wisconsin, is now facing a criminal charge of cocaine possession. Prosecutors also added a modifier that increases the seriousness of the charge because the alleged possession occurred on or near a protected location, such as a school campus.

According to a criminal complaint, the investigation began after law enforcement received an anonymous tip raising concerns about Laubenstein’s behavior at work. The tipster claimed a school resource officer had observed noticeable changes in the teacher’s demeanor and actions, suggesting something may have been wrong. The anonymous source also reported unusual patterns, including Laubenstein frequently taking her purse into the bathroom.

The tipster further alleged that suspicious items had been discovered in the restroom area, including bloody tissues and traces of a white powdery substance. These details led investigators to take the concerns seriously. The complaint also states that the tipster believed the school principal had been made aware of the situation but did not treat the warnings as urgent.

Authorities said the school resource officer eventually collected a sample of the white powder and brought it to the police station for testing. The substance reportedly tested positive for cocaine, prompting police to escalate the investigation.

On Feb. 12, the school resource officer returned to the school with assistance from a police K-9 unit. During the search, Laubenstein was reportedly found in possession of cocaine, which was located inside her purse and also in the pocket of her coat. Following the discovery, she was taken into custody.

Investigators with the New London Police Department later interviewed Laubenstein, and police say she admitted to using cocaine regularly. According to the complaint, Laubenstein told officers she began using cocaine in August of the previous year. She allegedly admitted that on the day she was searched, she used cocaine both before school started and again after the school day ended.

More troubling, police claim Laubenstein confessed to using cocaine during the school day as well. Authorities said she told investigators she had used the drug in school bathrooms, including those in her classroom area and in the teacher’s lounge.

Despite the admissions, Laubenstein reportedly insisted she never intended to endanger students. Police said she told them she always cleaned up after herself and claimed she would never put children at risk.

Following the arrest, the school district issued a letter to parents and families acknowledging the investigation. In the message, district officials emphasized that they did not believe students or staff were ever in danger. However, authorities noted the situation remains under review as the case moves forward.

The allegations have raised serious concerns within the community, as the accusations involve drug use occurring in a setting meant to be safe for children. While Laubenstein has been charged, the legal process is still in its early stages and she has not yet been convicted.