A Long Cane Elementary School nurse in LaGrange is facing felony charges after investigators say she took Adderall that had been prescribed for students. The arrest has now kicked off both a criminal case and a separate review of her nursing license.
According to WSB-TV, the Troup County Sheriff's Office alleges the nurse took medication intended for students and put the pills in her purse instead of placing them in secure school storage. Jail records cited by the station list two counts: possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery or deception.
The Troup County School System's public nursing roster lists an "Ivy Burton" as the LPN assigned to Long Cane Elementary, according to the district's staff page. The directory serves as the system's public listing of nursing staff and contact information for school health services.
Investigation Timeline And Response
The sheriff's office reports that its investigation began on Feb. 24 and that Burton was arrested on March 30. She was placed on leave while investigators worked the case, WSB-TV notes. The station also reports that the Georgia Secretary of State's Office has opened an inquiry into Burton's professional license, and law enforcement told reporters they do not yet know why she allegedly took the pills.
What The Law Says
Under Georgia law, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance is a felony, with penalties outlined in O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30. Details are available in the Georgia Code. State law also prohibits acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery or deception under O.C.G.A. § 16-13-43, a provision prosecutors could rely on if they allege deception, as described in the relevant section of the Georgia Code.
Local Context
Cases like this are not unheard of in Georgia schools. In 2019 a Cobb County school nurse was arrested after police said they found more than 200 pills, including Adderall, and the district placed that employee on leave while families were notified, according to reporting at the time. In situations like these, school systems typically coordinate with law enforcement and notify affected families as investigations unfold.
Burton's criminal case will proceed in the Troup County court system while the Secretary of State's licensing review follows its own track. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Troup County Sheriff's Office.
