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E-mail StoryTeacher caught in meth plot
Man accused of trying to make drug in school lab
| Monday, Dec 3 2007 10:05 PM
Last Updated: Monday, Dec 3 2007 10:11 PM
A 32-year-old chemistry teacher at Shafter High School accused of trying to make methamphetamine in his school lab was arrested over the weekend.
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Jeff Scheidemantel
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Jeff Scheidemantel of Bakersfield was arrested on suspicion of possession of precursor chemicals necessary for the production of methamphetamine, manufacturing methamphetamine and manufacturing methamphetamine endangering children, according to a news release by the Bakersfield Police Department.
Students are not suspected to have been involved in the alleged drug operation, according to police and the Kern High School District.
"We don't have any indications that students were in danger," said John Teves, spokesman for the school district.
In November, local and federal agents were alerted that Scheidemantel went online to buy red phosphorus and was trying to import the product from outside the country, said Sgt. Greg Terry with BPD. Red phosphorus is an important ingredient for making methamphetamine, Terry said.
On Saturday, officers executed search warrants at Scheidemantel's home and his school chemistry lab.
Investigators found recipes of different ways to make methamphetamine in the raids and seized several weapons from Scheidemantel's home.
A county methamphetamine laboratory response team went to the high school and found precursor chemicals necessary for making the drug, according to the news release. The man is believed to have started the manufacturing process, but there was no evidence of the drug at the school, Terry said.
Scheidemantel first worked as a teacher in the Kern High School District in 2003, according to Teves. Teves does not know where Scheidemantel taught.
He left after one year and worked at his alma mater, Garces Memorial High. At that time, his wife, Amanda, also worked at the school.
Scheidemantel returned to the Kern High School District in 2006 and worked at Shafter High School.
Scheidemantel is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, Teves said.
"We are in a difficult situation here in that the teacher has not been found guilty and charges have not yet been filed," Teves said. "We have to honor his individual rights and at the same time being concerned for the community and students."
Classes have resumed at the school and a substitute teacher is filling in for Scheidemantel.