Charges Dropped Against Teacher Arrested for Allegedly Teaching While Drunk

Wendy Munson, 57, was arrested for allegedly teaching while intoxicated, but prosecutors announced she will not face charges due to insufficient evidence

A 57-year-old second-grade teacher, Wendy Munson, who was arrested for allegedly teaching while intoxicated, will not face charges due to insufficient evidence. Munson was detained on October 2, 2023, after Sutter County sheriff's deputies were alerted to a staff member appearing intoxicated at Nuestro Elementary School in Live Oak, north of Sacramento, California.

Despite her arrest, prosecutors determined there was not enough evidence to prove a crime had occurred. "The mere potential that a situation could arise is insufficient to meet the requirements under the law. While teaching under the influence is highly inappropriate, it is, unfortunately, not illegal," stated the Sutter County District Attorney's office. "The behavior is reprehensible," added District Attorney Jennifer Dupré, "but it doesn't violate the penal code to teach kids when they're drunk."

Munson was detained on October 2 after Sutter County sheriff's deputies were alerted to Munson appearing drunk at Nuestro Elementary School in Live Oak, California

When deputies arrived at the school, they found Munson in her classroom, displaying signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech. Video evidence showed her driving to school and later failing a sobriety test. Tests revealed her blood alcohol level was 0.20% and 0.19%, significantly above the legal limit of 0.08% for drivers in California. She was initially taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment.

However, after an eight-month investigation, prosecutors announced that no charges would be filed. Video footage of Munson driving did not conclusively prove intoxication, as she did not exhibit clear signs of impairment after exiting her car. "She doesn't get out of the car and tumble or anything, so that didn't help us," Dupré explained to the LA Times.

Munson was a 2nd grade teacher but her name has been removed from the school's website

Interviews with Munson's current and former students failed to establish whether she was drunk while driving to work or if she began drinking at the school. Additionally, prosecutors could not meet the legal criteria for the child endangerment charge. "There was no specific information indicating that the children in Munson's class were placed in a position where their persons or health were endangered," stated officials from the district attorney's office. "The person has to have placed them in a position where they are in danger, not might be in danger," Dupré emphasized.

The incident is now considered a personnel matter for the school district. "I thought it was crazy. I think she should've called out of work," said parent Kaitlynn Conley to CBS News. "I know people have fun weekends, but that was definitely not OK as an educator." The district's website no longer lists Munson as a current teacher.