Former Teacher Convicted After Students Fall Ill from Allegedly Drug-Laced Brownies in Denver School
Classroom Reward Ends in Courtroom Verdict
A Denver classroom reward took a disturbing turn when a middle school teacher was convicted of giving brownies laced with marijuana to her students. Sharon Wilson, 55, a former teacher at Kepner Beacon Middle School, was found guilty on two counts of misdemeanor child abuse after a jury trial that concluded in Denver County Court.
The incident, which occurred in June 2024, involved two 13-year-old students who became ill after eating the homemade brownies given as a reward for academic performance.
Contest Turns Controversial
According to court proceedings, the two students had won a classroom contest in Wilson’s class for identifying the most Greek and Latin root words. As a prize, Wilson offered the boys homemade brownies. The treats, however, led to unexpected symptoms and a serious legal case.
Wilson’s defense claimed that the brownies were ordinary baked goods, possibly affected by freezer burn after being defrosted. Although she admitted to having made marijuana-infused brownies in the past, she maintained that the batch given to students did not contain any drugs.
Students Report Strange Symptoms
Despite the teacher’s claim, one of the boys testified that the brownie tasted “weird and sour.” After consuming part of it, he reported dizziness, a headache, and a spinning sensation. His behavior changed, and he described an unusual craving for food, including fried chicken and macaroni and cheese, before falling asleep and waking up feeling better.
The second student also noticed something off about the brownie. He testified that it smelled and tasted like marijuana. After eating it, he felt nauseous and disoriented. According to the prosecution, he needed assistance from friends to make it to his mother's car at the end of the school day.
Concerned Parent Contacts Authorities
The mother of the second boy noticed that her son appeared to have bloodshot eyes and was acting strangely. Concerned, she asked him whether he had taken drugs, which he denied. She then contacted Wilson to ask about the ingredients in the brownie. According to the defense, Wilson expressed genuine concern in her response and did not mention marijuana.
Still alarmed, the mother took her son to the hospital and reported the situation to the school principal and police. She also handed over the uneaten portion of the brownie to the police department. Lab tests confirmed that the brownie contained THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana.
Legal and Professional Consequences
The guilty verdict was delivered after just two days of testimony. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Prosecutors emphasized that Wilson acted with neglect and placed her students at risk by giving them food that ultimately tested positive for marijuana.
Wilson no longer works for Denver Public Schools. A spokesperson confirmed that she separated from the district before the 2024–2025 academic year began.
Broader Implications for School Safety
This case has sparked broader discussions among educators and parents about student safety, trust, and the responsibility that teachers have when providing anything to students — even something as simple as a reward treat.
While the trial brought closure to the legal side of the incident, the emotional and psychological effects on the families involved — as well as the educational community — will likely linger long after the verdict.
As schools continue to emphasize safe and secure learning environments, this case stands as a reminder of how quickly a seemingly innocent act can spiral into a serious legal matter when judgment lapses and protocols are not followed.
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