Citrus County Sheriff's Office narcotics detectives arrested a Pleasant Grove Elementary School teacher on Jan. 10 in connection with an investigation into marijuana sales from the teacher's home.
- Kimberly Hellenburg, 55, facing marijuana sales, possession charges
- Arrest made after weeks-long investigation
- Hellenburg's son arrested for marijuana possession in December 2017
Officials said Kimberly Hellenburg, 55, was arrested after detectives conducted an investigation over several weeks involving undercover officers purchasing large amounts of marijuana from Hellenburg at the house, located at 6716 E. Blue Heron Lane in Inverness.
During the execution of the search warrant, detectives located over two pounds of marijuana in the home, distribution equipment and at least a half pound of marijuana in Hellenburg's bedroom.
In December 2017, Hellenburg's son, Brendan Brown, 19, was also arrested at the same house and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
Officials said detectives learned late in the investigation that Hellenburg was a teacher at an elementary school.
“It was important to us that after learning of her career as a teacher and the influences she has on our young children that she be arrested before students returned to school from winter break,” said Tactical Impact Unit Sgt. Ed Blair.
After the arrest, school board officials were notified and made aware of the charges.