A woman employed by St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) as security personnel is facing a felony charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl following a December traffic stop in Columbia County, Wisc.
Porshay Mariah Poe, 24, of Maple Grove, Minn., was arrested and charged the week of Christmas, along with two other people identified as James A. Pough, 45, of Chicago, Ill., and Lynea Ross, 43, of Minnetonka, Minn., both of whom are also charged with felony possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Charges indicate that Poe was found in possession of between 10 and 50 grams of the drug during the traffic stop on I-90/94. Poe also faces misdemeanor charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of THC.
A spokesperson for SPPS confirmed via email that they were aware of the charges and that Poe is still employed with the district but is not assigned to a school. A 2022 report by the Star Tribune showed Poe, described as a “support liaison,” interacting with students at Humboldt High School after police had been removed from the schools as resource officers.
In response to whether the school district was conducting an investigation into possible criminal activity by Poe at the schools or whether any students may have been impacted by Poe’s activity, the school spokesperson replied saying, “There are no applicable complaints, charges or disciplinary actions on file.”
Court records indicate Poe was released on $2,500 cash bond following her initial court appearance and was allowed to return to Minnesota. Poe’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 25.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
