An elementary school principal faces drug sales charges after investigators found a quarter-ounce of methamphetamine at his San Francisco home, authorities said Sunday.
Agents arrested Eric Dean Lewis, 42, on Friday at a Caltrain station where he had arranged to meet an undercover agent he contacted through a gay dating website, said California Department of Justice spokeswoman Michelle Gregory.
Lewis, principal at Montague Elementary School on Laurie Avenue for the past seven years, was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of having methamphetamine for sale and offering to furnish narcotics.
Santa Clara Unified School District authorities said they are shocked at the arrest of the “well regarded” worker and have placed him on unpaid administrative leave. Lewis could not be reached for comment.
Police began investigating Lewis after getting a tip that he was involved in drugs, said Gregory. That tip led to an undercover officer starting to chat with Lewis on a gay dating website. The principal allegedly offered narcotics, though it was unclear what type, to the agent, who agreed to come to Lewis’ home for a date, Gregory said. It was not immediately clear at which Caltrain station they were to meet, but Lewis lives in San Francisco.
After authorities arrested Lewis they searched his house and found a quarter-ounce of methamphetamine, drug scales, an undetermined amount of GHB and some pills that were still undergoing testing, authorities said. Police also seized Lewis’ computer.
Santa Clara Unified Superintendent Dr. Bobbie Plough said the arrest comes without warning for the district and has no connection to students.
“The community felt he was well regarded,” she said. “It’s very much a shock.”
Plough said Barbara Friedenbach has been appointed interim principal of Montague and added “our first concern is for students, staff and families.”
Lewis is due int Santa Clara Superior Court Monday for arraigment and remains in jail, police said.