ATHENS, Texas - An Athens Independent School District teacher and assistant basketball coach was arrested Monday, February 2nd, after police say drugs and a firearm were discovered in connection with him on school property.
Authorities identified the employee as 47-year-old Broderick Omar Hopkins of Tennessee Colony, TX, who was taken into custody and booked into the Henderson County Jail. Hopkins faces charges of possession of marijuana, possession of dangerous drugs, and unlawful carrying of a weapon. His total bond was set at $15,000, and he was released the same day.
According to an arrest affidavit, school officials contacted the Athens Police Department after a staff member was suspected of possessing marijuana and placing it inside his vehicle. During a meeting at Central Athens Elementary, an officer was given a pill bottle containing four unidentified pills that reportedly smelled like marijuana.
Police said when officers attempted to search Hopkins’ truck, he tried to drive away before being stopped. A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered suspected marijuana and a pistol inside a backpack. Investigators noted the campus is designated as a drug- and weapon-free zone.
Athens Independent School District confirmed Hopkins is a teacher and assistant basketball coach. District officials said the firearm was found inside the vehicle, not inside the school building.
Hopkins has been placed on administrative leave while the district conducts its internal investigation. School officials said no students were involved in the incident.
