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7-year-old with marijuana found on Pinellas school bus

The school district will refer the boy to a juvenile arbitration program where he and his family will receive counseling service.

By DONNA WINCHESTER
Published August 15, 2005

ST. PETERSBURG - A 7-year-old was found with a bag of marijuana on a Pinellas school bus Monday morning, authorities said.

A bus driver was near the end of her route when she saw the 74th Street Elementary student showing the small plastic baggie to other children on the bus, authorities said. She radioed ahead to a compound supervisor who called Pinellas County Schools Police.

Officer Barbara Baugher of the school police questioned the boy, who told her he didn't know the marijuana was in his possession until he reached into his pocket.

She tested the substance and determined that it was 2 to 3 grams of marijuana.

Baugher dropped the boy off at his aunt's house after a check of school records showed that she and her fiance are the child's guardians.

Joe Oliphant confirmed that he and the child's aunt had cared for the second-grader until his mother came for him about a week ago.

Baugher chose not to take the child to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center because of his age. She planned instead to refer him to a juvenile arbitration program where he and his family will receive counseling service "This child is a victim," Baugher said. "He did something that was against the law, but does he really understand the consequences? I don't think so."

School administrators will determine whether the child will be suspended, Baugher said.

[Last modified August 15, 2005, 15:20:03]