A substitute teacher in Lake County, Florida, is facing child abuse charges after allegedly allowing a seventh grader to use her vape pen on school grounds. Jennifer Gaine Hale, 50, was arrested on Friday in connection with the incident that occurred at Eustic Middle School. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by InsideLake.com, two boys were talking during the last period when one expressed interest in trying vaping. Hale, who was substituting that day, disclosed to the students that she had a nicotine vape pen. She then proceeded to show the student a “multi-colored nicotine vape” and offered him the opportunity to try it. After the student used the vape, he returned it to Hale, who cautioned him about a salt-like substance on the pen that he was unaware of. She instructed him not to tell anyone about the incident to avoid getting into trouble.
Despite the student remaining silent, another student eventually reported the incident to Eustis Middle School Principal Michael Spencer. Spencer confronted Hale, who admitted to allowing the student to use her vape pen, explaining that she was “just trying to fit in.” Spencer promptly reported the incident to the Lake County School Board Human Resources Department. Hale was escorted off the campus and informed that she was not permitted to return. When HuffPost reached out for comment, the call was not returned. A spokesperson for the Lake County School District confirmed that Hale is no longer employed by the district.
Furthermore, Hale was arrested and booked into the Lake County jail on a charge of child abuse, classified as a third-degree felony. She was later released on a $1,000 bond. Hale began working as a substitute teacher in November 2022 and had no prior disciplinary issues on record.
The parents of students attending Eustic Middle School expressed shock upon learning of the allegations. One parent, Jennifer Hunter, shared her concerns, stating, “Teachers. It’s scary now. I never thought that a substitute teacher would give my child or someone else’s child any of that stuff. Just other students.” Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “You can’t do this. You just can’t do it. This should be common sense.” He further emphasized the duty of a teacher to protect children, not abuse them.
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