Charges Dropped Against Second-Grade Teacher Arrested For Teaching Drunk As DA Says It's 'Not Illegal'

Good news for teachers who like to put a few alcoholic drinks away throughout the school day in the state of California or at least in Sutter County.  Have at it.  While it's "highly inappropriate," it's "not illegal" to teach while you're drunk.  

Don't take my word for it, I didn't conduct a "lengthy and thorough investigation" into a second-grade teacher who was arrested on DUI and child endangerment charges last October.  The Sutter County District Attorney's Office did.

California teacher arrested for driving and teaching drunk. (Image Credit: Sutter County Jail)

They took a deep dive into the October 2, 2023 arrest of Nuestro Elementary School teacher Wendy Munson by deputies of the Sutter County Sheriff's Office.  Deputies removed her from the classroom after responding to reports of a teacher who was accused of driving to school drunk and then teaching her class under the influence.

The result of that investigation is essentially that there's no proof she drove to work while under the influence and that teaching drunk isn't a crime.

"After a lengthy and thorough investigation, the Sutter County District Attorney’s Office has determined that no charges will be filed against Wendy Munson, the second-grade teacher at Nuestro School who was arrested on October 2, 2023," the DA’s office posted on Facebook.

"During the investigation, it could not be established that Munson was under the influence when she drove to the school, as opposed to drinking only after arriving there."

The DA's Office Is Taking An Interesting Approach To Teaching Drunk

On top of that technicality, the DA's office also determined that the requirements for child endangerment could not be met, because there was nothing indicating that the students were ever in danger.

"The mere potential that a situation could arise is insufficient to meet the requirements under the law," the statement continued.  "While the District Attorney’s Office agrees that it is highly inappropriate to teach while intoxicated, it is, unfortunately, not illegal."

It's not known if Munson is still employed by the school or if she faced any disciplinary action as a result of her arrest.  She is reportedly no longer listed on the school's website.

What we do know is she's committed no crimes here whatsoever.  Well, according to the District Attorney, anyway.  So feel free to put a few back while molding young minds in Sutter County.