A Brunswick County middle school teacher who has been employed with the school district for more than a decade was arrested at her home Wednesday evening on drug charges following a month-long investigation.
Kelly Kiggins Hansen, 49, of Village Road SW in Shallotte, faces charges of trafficking opium or heroin and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a schedule II controlled substance, according to Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Spokeswoman Emily Flax.
Hansen was employed as a language arts teacher at Shallotte Middle School, said Brunswick County Schools Spokeswoman Jessica Swencki.
Flax said the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit had “significant evidence” indicating Hanson was selling prescription pills out of her home.
According to an arrest warrant, Hansen is charged with possessing more than 4 grams, but less than 14 grams of opium. She was also charged with possessing 4.3 grams of dihydrocodeine, an opioid pain medication.
Hansen, who was hired with the school district in August 2004, was placed on paid administrative leave Thursday, Swencki said. Her annual base salary is $40,000. The change of status will remain effective pending the outcome of the investigation into the charges.
Hansen was booked at the Brunswick County Jail under a $1 million secured bond at about 9 p.m. Wednesday, according to jail records.
