Drug Charges At The High School

Six local teenagers were arrested at Newtown High School Monday morning after school security personnel found them to be in illegal possession of the drug known as Adderall. According to police, the drug is an amphetamine (similar to Ritalin) and prescribed to students who suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

A police investigation revealed that the drugs had passed through several hands earlier in the day.

Jennifer Ciaccio, 16, of 27 Osborne Hill Road and Amanda Cannata, 16, of 13 Appleblossom Lane were both charged with illegal possession of a controlled substance. Cannata was also charged with failing to keep narcotics in a proper container.

The two were released on a written promise to appear in court September 26.

One boy and two girls, both 15-year-old juveniles, were charged with illegal sale of a controlled substance, while another juvenile was charged with illegal possession and failure to keep narcotics in their original container.

According to Detective Robert Tvardzik, the drug when used by someone not suffering from ADD acts like “speed.”

The four juveniles were released on a written promise to appear in court September 25.

Recently appointed School Resource Officer Robert Koetsch was the arresting officer.

Cafeteria Fight

Police arrested 16-year-old Eric Critelli of 114 Head O’ Meadow Road Tuesday following a fight in the Newtown High School cafeteria. A 14-year-old juvenile was also taken in custody as a result of the incident.

Police said Critelli allegedly approached a table of underclassmen and threatened the youths to give him money. One victim reportedly told him to stop and the two became involved in a fight. Then, while being escorted from the area, the accused allegedly threatened the victim.

The 14-year-old was charged with sixth-degree larceny for his involvement in demanding money from other students.

Driving Violation

John Velsor, 53, of 61 Kondrack Lane, Wallingford, was charged with failure to drive right and driving under the influence September 6 after he was observed crossing over the yellow line on Riverside Road.

He was placed under arrest and subsequently released on a written promise to appear in court September 20.

Two-Car Accident

A two car accident at the intersection of Walnut Tree Hill Road and Church Hill Road caused significant damage but no injuries Saturday.

According to police, Grace Skubly, 84, of 43 Birch Hill Road, Newtown, was driving her 1989 Nissan Sentra south on Walnut Tree Hill Road when she stopped at the stop sign near the end of the road. At the same time, Thomas Sideleau, 39, of 3 Deer Trail, Sandy Hook, was traveling west on Church Hill Road in his 1996 Chevy Blazer. Mrs Skubly told police she did not see the vehicle and pulled out into traffic, colliding with the passenger side of the Blazer.

Skubley received a written warning as a result of the accident.