NC elementary teacher accused of 'teaching under the influence'

Twumasi Duah-Mensah, The News & Observer (Raleigh) on Oct 9, 2026

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A teacher at Aversboro Elementary School in Garner, North Carolina, is accused of teaching first-grade students while under the influence of alcohol and THC.

Eric John Ames, 39, of Raleigh, was charged Thursday by the Garner Police Department, court records show. He is accused of misdemeanor child abuse, disorderly conduct at a school and simple possession of cannabis, a controlled substance in North Carolina. CBS 17 first reported the allegations against Ames.

In a letter sent to families Thursday, Aversboro Elementary principal Tiffany Stuart confirmed the charges against Ames, a physical education teacher, and that the alleged incident occurred on campus.

“I want to assure you that we take the safety of our students and staff members very seriously,” Stuart wrote. “While privacy laws prevent me from providing much additional information about the situation, I can share that Mr. Ames is suspended with pay.”

Ames was hired as a supplemental teacher at Aversboro Elementary in February 2022, according to his personnel file. He has served as a program enhancement teacher at the school since August 2022. Court records indicate he is in custody on a $6,000 bail.

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