Helena teacher resigns, charged with felony drug possession in vehicle search

A Helena elementary school teacher who resigned earlier this month faces felony drug possession charges after authorities say multiple illegal substances were found in a vehicle following a traffic stop. Eric Lehman left his teaching position at Hawthorne Elementary as of November 1, and prosecutors filed charges on November 21, according to local reports.

Law enforcement said officers discovered psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, methamphetamine and cocaine in the vehicle after conducting a traffic stop and subsequently searching the vehicle following an impound. Initial paperwork was filed recently by prosecutors and additional details were included in court filings, which indicate Lehman is expected to plead guilty and that an arraignment has been scheduled.

Lehman formerly taught at Hawthorne Elementary. His resignation removed him from the classroom prior to the criminal filing. He is married to Melissa Romano, who is identified in media reports as a public figure. The connection has amplified public interest in the case because of Romano's visibility in education and public life.

The charges carry implications beyond the immediate criminal matter. Felony drug possession convictions can affect professional licensing and employment eligibility, and they can prompt administrative reviews within school systems. For parents and school staff in Lewis and Clark County, the case underscores concerns about safety and oversight in school settings, even when an employee leaves before allegations become public.

The timing of the resignation and the subsequent filing of criminal charges raises questions for district policymakers and the public about notification protocols, background checks and the procedures that govern teacher conduct and removal. School districts typically must balance confidentiality and due process with the community interest in transparency and student safety. How school officials and local authorities handled that balance in this case may prompt review and discussion at the district level.

Court filings indicate an expected guilty plea, which if entered will move the matter toward sentencing and any collateral consequences for the former teacher. The arraignment schedule will provide a formal timeline in court for plea entry and future proceedings. Residents and community leaders may follow filings in the Lewis and Clark County court system to track developments and to assess how local institutions respond.

The case illustrates broader civic and policy concerns for local voters and parents, including how allegations of criminal conduct by school employees are investigated and disclosed, and how the legal process intersects with employment in education. As the matter proceeds through court, it is likely to inform local conversations about school governance and the mechanisms that protect students while preserving legal rights for accused individuals.