An ex-teacher at Cliffside Park High School in Cliffside Park NJ will avoid jail after pleading guilty in a heroin possession case.

The 32-year-old suspect was originally placed under arrest and charged in 2014. According to law enforcement, the suspect possessed a large quantity of heroin on school grounds while teaching at Cliffside Park High School.

School employees discovered the illegal drug activity when a student found a drug syringe in a school bathroom. School officials then notified the Cliffside Park Police Department, which sent officers to the scene to conduct an investigation.

When Cliffside Park NJ police officers searched the school facilities, they allegedly found 125 bags of heroin stuffed inside a backpack. The bag was reportedly discovered in the suspect’s classroom.

The suspect was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute. The enhanced charge – for distribution, not possession – was filed against the suspect because he allegedly possessed a quantity of heroin that exceeded a statutory threshold.

Ultimately, the suspect managed to avoid prison by arriving at a plea deal with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. Instead of heading to jail, the suspect will be allowed to go on probation.

Under the strict terms of the plea agreement, the suspect will have to serve a probationary term of four years. Beyond that, the suspect will be required to complete 100 hours of community service and undergo regular drug testing by Bergen County NJ authorities.

For additional information about this case, see the NJ.com article, “Ex-Cliffside Park Teacher Sentenced on Heroin Charges.”