Authorities: Meth lab found in Wake teacher's home
A Wendell school teacher and her husband were arrested early Friday after authorities said they found a methamphetamine lab in their Johnston County home.
Posted — UpdatedLori Riley Whitley, 38, and Gary Nelson Whitley, 41, both of 109 Big Branch Court in Zebulon, are charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for distribution of a controlled substance and child abuse.
The last charge was a result of an 8-year-old son being in the home, authorities said, noting that he has been put in the custody of the Department of Social Services.
Lori Whitley has been a third-grade teacher at Wendell Elementary School since 2002, according to Wake County Public Schools System spokeswoman Lisa Luten. She has been suspended with pay, Luten said.
Bernard Brodie, who lives next door, called Lori Whitley "a good lady." He said he recently noticed strong chemical odor coming from house but had no clue an illegal drug operation might be there.
"It's unreal. It's unreal," Brodie said.
Gary Whitley was being held in the Johnston County jail under a $207,500 bond, while Lori Whitley was being held under a $157,500 bond.
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