The head custodian of an elementary school in Fairfield was arrested on drug charges after police found marijuana and other drugs in his car in the school parking lot as school was in session on Monday, according to police and a statement from the school.
The custodian, Anthony J. Piccolo, 48, of Fairfield, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, illegal possession near a school, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Kevin Chase, principal of Mill Hill School, reached out to Central Office Administration in Fairfield, as well as police, around 1 p.m. on Monday to determine the appropriate course of action after receiving a report that a school custodian might have had drugs, according to police and a letter sent home to students' families.
Police responded to the school and officers seized a small amount of marijuana, two small containers that contained a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia from the vehicle, police said.
In addition to marijuana, Piccolo had two prescription pills that didn't belong to him, according to police. It was not immediately clear what kind of pills they were.
Piccolo has been suspended from his position at the school and no longer has access to Fairfield Public School properties.
"I can’t stress enough that the children’s safety remained a top priority and foremost on my mind.
Furthermore, this arrest has nothing to do with children at our school in any way. Our school remains a safe and secure building and place of learning. I am extremely proud and pleased with the immediacy and efficacy of the response to this situation. All parties involved kept the students’ well‐being at the forefront at all times. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding in this matter," Chase said in the letter to parents.
U.S. & World
Piccolo was released on a written promise to appear in court on Oct. 7. It’s not clear if he has an attorney.
