A high school dean’s secret life as a drug kingpin shocks a Massachusetts community and exposes a dangerous betrayal of trust.
At a Glance
- Lavante Wiggins, dean of Pittsfield High School, accused of running a cocaine trafficking operation
- Wiggins and accomplice Theodore Warren face up to 20 years in prison if convicted
- Allegations include distributing large amounts of cocaine in the Pittsfield area
- Community members express shock and disbelief at the accusations
- Wiggins placed on immediate administrative leave pending investigation
Dean’s Double Life: Educator by Day, Drug Dealer by Night?
The people of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, have been left in a state of total shock after it was revealed that Lavante Wiggins, the dean of students at Pittsfield High School, stands accused of leading a double life as the mastermind behind a cocaine trafficking operation. This shocking revelation has left parents, students, and fellow educators reeling, as they grapple with the betrayal of trust by a man charged with guiding and protecting the city’s youth.
Wiggins, who has held his position at the high school since 2021, now faces serious federal charges alongside his alleged accomplice, Theodore Warren. The pair are accused of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, charges that could land them behind bars for up to two decades if convicted. The severity of these allegations underscores the depth of the betrayal and the potential harm inflicted on the community.
Dean of Pittsfield High School charged in drug trafficking case https://t.co/9vgsYdgQQz
— WWLP-22News (@WWLP22News) December 11, 2024
Ronald Lopez, who has a family member attending Pittsfield High School, expressed his disbelief and concern for student safety in light of the allegations.
“I feel a little bit in shock to be honest because my brother is studying here, and I want him to be safe and be in a safe place where he can learn about life and basically teachers are the coach for them to prepare them to grow and be prepared for life which is hard,” Lopez said.
However, not all community members agave been so quick to condemn Wiggins. Parent Brenda Durant offered a contrasting perspective, highlighting Wiggins’ positive influence on students and his role as a supportive figure within the school community. This divide in opinion underscores the complex nature of the case and the difficulty in reconciling Wiggins’ alleged criminal activities with his professional persona.
According to federal authorities, Wiggins is suspected of distributing substantial quantities of cocaine in and around Pittsfield. The investigation revealed a sophisticated operation, with Warren allegedly acting as a “runner” for Wiggins. The scope of the operation is staggering, with one customer reportedly accumulating a $34,000 debt for cocaine provided on credit.
The details of the case paint a picture of a carefully orchestrated criminal enterprise. Wiggins allegedly directed Warren to distribute cocaine to a specific customer on four occasions between September and December 2024, totaling approximately 466 grams. This level of organization suggests a long-standing and well-established operation, raising questions about how long these activities may have been ongoing undetected.
Swift Action and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the allegations, Pittsfield schools Superintendent Joseph Curtis wasted no time in taking action. Wiggins has been placed on immediate administrative leave, a necessary step to ensure the safety and well-being of students while the investigation unfolds. This swift response demonstrates the seriousness with which the school district is treating these accusations.
Do you know who is teaching your kids?