A former orchestra teacher at Tallwood High School has been sentenced for several drug charges, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach announced on Wednesday.
Christopher James Brydge, 41, pleaded guilty in June to Possession of Heroin, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana between ½ oz and 5 pounds, and Possess/Distribute Marijuana on School Property.
A judge sentenced Brydge to eight years in prison with five years suspended leaving three years to serve.
The CA notes that the sentence highly exceeded the Virginia State Sentencing Guidelines, which recommended Brydge serve no more than three months in jail.
In November 2013, school staff and a school resource officer found marijuana, a scale, and packaging material in Brydge’s office. Further search revealed a case containing heroin, hypodermic needles, a burnt spoon and a lighter.
During an interview with the Virginia Beach Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit, Brydge confessed to distributing marijuana and possessing heroin. He also admitted to having more marijuana in his Norfolk home.
Tallwood High teacher accused of having drugs on school property appears in court
