A quiet elementary school in Rhode Island has found itself at the center of an unexpected controversy after police say a bag containing cocaine was discovered inside a staff bathroom—an incident now drawing attention due to the identity of the person charged.
According to local reports, including coverage cited by NBC10 News, the discovery was made on March 12 at Chester W. Barrows Elementary School in Cranston. A school nurse reportedly found a small bag containing a white powder and a straw sitting on the sink in a bathroom typically used by staff. Authorities later confirmed the substance tested positive for cocaine and weighed about two grams.
Police were called to the scene around 11 a.m., and investigators quickly began working to determine who may have left the substance behind. According to reports, several people had used the bathroom that day, including both adults and children, but no one initially reported seeing the bag.
Attention soon turned to Stephanie Cicilline Given, a teacher’s assistant at the school—and the sister of former Democratic Congressman David Cicilline, who represented Rhode Island in Congress for more than a decade. Police said Given was the last adult known to have used the bathroom before the discovery.
During the investigation, Given reportedly told officers she had misplaced her vape after emptying her purse in the bathroom. According to a police report cited in local coverage, she acknowledged having used cocaine in the past but denied using it on school property. At one point, she allegedly asked officers what would happen if she claimed ownership of the substance, though she ultimately did not admit that the cocaine was hers.
Given later requested an attorney, and police continued the investigation at headquarters, where she was ultimately charged with misdemeanor possession of cocaine. She is expected to appear in court next month.
School officials responded swiftly to the incident, emphasizing student safety. Cranston Public Schools said they are fully cooperating with law enforcement and conducted a thorough search of the building with K9 units. Authorities confirmed no additional drugs were found on campus.
While no students were reported harmed, the situation has raised concerns among parents and community members about how such substances could end up inside a school environment.
The case remains under investigation, and officials have not released further details about how long the bag may have been in the bathroom or whether additional individuals could be involved.
