A Parkwood High School science teacher was arrested Monday after deputies followed a strong smell of marijuana through the school and ended up finding weapons and drug-related items on campus, according to authorities. The teacher, identified as 55-year-old Gerald Wade Morton Jr., was evaluated by a drug-recognition expert, and officers later reported finding a loaded 9mm handgun in his vehicle and a bag with hemp and paraphernalia in his classroom. Morton was booked on multiple weapons and drug-paraphernalia charges at the Union County Detention Center, then released after posting a $10,000 secured bond.
According to Queen City News, deputies were called in after someone reported a heavy marijuana odor in a hallway before students arrived for class. Investigators traced the smell to the chemistry room assigned to Morton. The Union County Sheriff's Office told the outlet that Morton showed signs of impairment when he was screened by a drug expert.
WSOC reports that deputies then searched Morton's vehicle, which they also said smelled like marijuana, and found a loaded 9mm handgun in an unlocked center console. According to the station, Morton was charged with possession of a firearm on educational property, possession of a weapon (non-firearm) on educational property and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jail records cited by the outlet show that a $10,000 secured bond was set.
What deputies say they found
Inside a storage closet, investigators located a black book bag that held a sealed quantity of hemp that was within the legal limit, along with drug paraphernalia and a police badge from another jurisdiction, Queen City News reports. Deputies also said the bag contained a small dagger-style knife with a clip that was reported to belong to Morton's son.
School response and next steps
WSOC reports that Union County Public Schools did not immediately respond when asked about Morton's employment status following the arrest. The sheriff's office has said the investigation is still active, and school officials are reviewing what happened. Authorities have not indicated that any students were directly affected.
Investigators did not immediately release a court date for Morton and said the case remains under review. The Union County Sheriff's Office and district officials did not provide any additional public details on Monday.
