Pubdate: Wed, 18 Jan 2006
Source: Indianapolis Star (IN)
Copyright: 2006 Indianapolis Newspapers Inc.
Contact: http://www.indystar.com/help/contact/letters.html
Website: http://www.starnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/210
Author: Vic Ryckaert
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

MIDDLE SCHOOL BANS MENTOR AFTER DRUG ARREST

A man who served as a role model for John Marshall Middle School
students faces accusations he was possessing marijuana.

Erwin Golden, 25, was carrying 18 one-ounce bags of marijuana when an
officer stopped him for speeding on Jan. 12, according to an
Indianapolis police report. Prior to the arrest, Golden worked
part-time as a life-skills instructor in an after-school program at
John Marshall, 10101 E. 38th St., where part of his duties included
warning youths of the dangers of drugs.

Principal Jamyce Banks said Golden is no longer allowed on school
property.

"We can not have him here on campus until those issues have been
resolved," Banks said this morning.

The after-school tutoring and mentoring program is a partnership with
the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis and the YMCA, Banks said.
Golden worked under a contract and was not employed by the school system.

Students are disappointed and surprised by the allegations against a
man many of them admired, Banks said.

"You can't say one thing to them and do something else," Banks
said.

School officials will provide one-on-one counseling today to any
student who has questions about Golden's arrest.

The school also intends to send a letter home to parents, Banks
said.

According to a police report, Officer Michael Horn stopped Golden's
1988 Cadillac for speeding in the 4100 block of Arlington Avenue and
found the marijuana and a small scale.

Golden told police he intended to sell the bags for $50 each,
according to the report.

As the officer held the large bag containing smaller bags of the
suspected drug outside of the car, Golden pleaded with the officer to
be discreet about the arrest, according to the report.

"Please put that out of sight," Golden told the officer.

"I don't want anybody to know that I'm in trouble."

Golden was charged with possessing marijuana. He is scheduled to
appear for a pre-trial hearing on Jan. 24.

Nothing in he police report indicates he Golden was selling drugs at
the school.
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