MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A school superintendent in Warren was arrested for allegedly smoking marijuana with another school official in a plaza within school grounds and having a gun in the car.
Details
The investigation initially began when Warren police officers received several complaints about student altercations and fights happening at or near Fitzgerald High School. During this, police received information that Stange was involved in alleged narcotic activity on school property during school hours.
On Dec. 20, 2024, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said Fitzgerald Public Schools Superintendent Hollie Stange and Food Services Director Amanda Carroll were smoking marijuana at a plaza near the corner of 9 Mile Road and Ryan Road, located within 1,000 feet of school grounds.
Officers watched Stange in the area of the high school on Friday and saw her driving to the plaza, where she allegedly entered Carroll’s car and shared a blunt with her for several minutes.
Warren police officers conducted a traffic stop on Stange and learned she was allegedly under the influence. A .22 caliber rifle was later found wrapped in a blanket in the rear seat of her vehicle, according to police.
Warren police officers also conducted a traffic stop on Carroll and learned she was also allegedly under the influence. Police said a 6-year-old child was inside the car, as well.
Both school officials facing felony charge
Stange was charged with Possession of Marijuana on School Grounds, a two-year felony, Possession of a Weapon in a Weapon Free Zone, a 93-day misdemeanor, and Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated, a 93-day misdemeanor.
Carroll was charged with Possession of Marijuana on School Grounds, a two-year felony, Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated Second Offense, a one-year misdemeanor, and Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated with an Occupant less than 16 years old, a one-year misdemeanor.
Stange and Carroll were arraigned on Dec. 21, and their bond was set at $5,000. Both are scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 2, 2025.
“These allegations are deeply troubling. These women are not only responsible for their own conduct but are entrusted with the well-being of our children. Engaging in alleged illegal drug use near school property and driving under the influence is a betrayal of that trust and puts our community at significant risk. We will pursue justice to ensure accountability and uphold the safety and integrity of our schools,” said Lucido.
School district’s Board of Education responds
The Board of Education at Fitzgerald Public Schools held a meeting Sunday night, placing both officials on administrative leave.
Dear Fitzgerald Public Schools families,
The Board of Education at Fitzgerald Public Schools is committed to providing a world-class education to all our students. We hold our staff members to the highest standards of professional conduct and expect them to lead by example by adhering to our school values, policies and procedures. We also believe in transparency and keeping our community informed. We have been made aware that the Fitzgerald Public Schools superintendent and a member of the administration were arrested by law enforcement on Friday, Dec. 20.
The school board has initiated an internal review of this matter and we will be providing details when they are available and appropriate to share. We are communicating and cooperating with local law enforcement as they conduct their investigation and will continue to do so. Again, we are gathering information and facts regarding this matter and will be updating our community as soon as possible. Please know that this incident does not reflect the vast majority of our administrators, teachers and support staff who work tirelessly each day to provide a world-class education.Sincerely,
Julia Yokel, President
Fitzgerald Public Schools Board of Education
Superintendent’s attorney responds
“There’s a host of issues with that to show that somebody was impaired by marijuana use,” said Bill Barnwell, Stange’s attorney, on Monday. “Was it a hit? Was it two hits? They’re going to claim, ‘I guarantee you, we smelled a strong odor of marijuana.’ You just take one puff of marijuana, you’re going to smell a strong odor.”
“The weapons count—we’re talking about a hunting rifle,” he continued. “Not like a concealed weapon, not a machine gun—a hunting rifle. To my knowledge, she’s not a hunter. I don’t know if she had any knowledge that it was even there.”
