Teacher, husband cited on drug charges

A Fremont elementary school music teacher and her husband have been cited on drug charges.

Marilyn Pueppke, 53, of Fremont was cited Friday for possession of marijuana-less than an ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia, both infractions, and released. She is a music teacher at Bell Field and Clarmar elementary schools and has been employed by Fremont Public Schools for 31 years, Superintendent Steve Sexton said.

Her husband, Willis Pueppke, 54, of Fremont is charged with possession of a controlled substance-marijuana with the intent to deliver, a Class III felony; possession of a controlled substance-cocaine, a Class IV felony; possession of marijuana-more than an ounce, but less than a pound, a Class I misdemeanor; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Fremont Lt. Jeff Elliott said the III-CORPS Drug Task Force and Fremont detectives received information Friday about drugs in the Pueppke home, 2115 N. Howard St. At 8:45 p.m. officers knocked at the door and were granted consent to search the home, finding 4.2 grams of cocaine, 41 grams of marijuana and numerous drug paraphernalia items.

“The initial contact with authorities was made by the district,” Sexton said. “We are aware of the charges.”

Sexton said he had just found out about the charges Monday morning, had been in contact with the district’s legal counsel and had not yet met with Marilyn Pueppke.

“Typically what occurs is the individual is placed on administrative leave during the investigation,” Sexton said. “We will be meeting with her to discuss the matter.”

As of Monday afternoon, she was still teaching.

Willis Pueppke is free on 10 percent of a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled for a June 3 arraignment.

Marilyn Pueppke’s charges are waiverable offenses and each are scheduled at a $100 fine if she were to plead guilty or is otherwise convicted.