Northbridge HS teacher accused of growing pot

NORTHBRIDGE, Mass. (WHDH) -- A Northbridge High School teacher and soccer coach was involved in a marijuana growing operation out of his father's basement, according to police.

The teacher faces several charges and is on paid administrative leave from the school as he awaits his day in court.

The teacher admitted he uses marijuana and that he sells it to friends.

Police say the 40-year-old teaches math and coaches soccer at Northbridge High School.

“I got really excited, I was like, ‘Oh my God, I got my favorite teacher,’ my first day and now all of a sudden, he’s gone,” a high school student said.

School officials say he was put on paid administrative leave.

Students were disappointed to hear the accusations against the teacher.

“No one really knew he was selling weed,” another student said.

Investigators say they found an elaborate marijuana growing operation in the basement of the teacher’s 65-year-old father’s home in Millbury. According to authorities, it was the father’s pot business.

Dozens of plants, seedling, and growing equipment were confiscated.

Authorities say the teacher helped his father with the business. The court file says the teacher told police that it was “too much for his father.”

“He’s a great teacher around here and everybody loves him. Everybody looks up to him,” a student said.

Police say they uncovered the marijuana business after a large box of marijuana leaves allegedly belonging to the teacher's father was found at a transfer station.

The teacher is due in court Friday. His father is facing a long list of charges as well.