Student Allegedly Tries to Bribe Teacher

Link : http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=817&ncid=757&e=10&u=/ap/20041004/ap_on_fe_st/student_bribe


WILSONVILLE, Ore. - A 17-year-old high school student was detained and released after being accused of trying to bribe a teacher to alter attendance records so he could make a drug run.



The student handed a note with some money to Matthew Courtney, who teaches English as a second language, promising to make him rich if he went along with the scheme, said Deputy Joel Manley, a spokesman for the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.


The note said the student had taken orders for drugs from other students and had to go to Arizona and California to pick up a shipment, authorities said.


Courtney reported the incident to the principal, who called police. The student was arrested Thursday.


"Never in my 26 years of police work have I ever heard of a student trying to bribe a teacher," said Sgt. Kim Klusmann.


The sheriff's office was looking into whether the incident might be a hoax or practical joke, Klusmann said.


The amount of the intended bribe might have been less than $100, he said.


If convicted as an adult of bribe-giving, a Class B Felony, he could get as much as 20 years in jail and a fine of $250,000.


A deputy has been assigned to follow up on students who may have placed drug orders.


Some of the drugs thought to be involved may be methamphetamines, Klusmann said.