News Summary
Scott Hazlett, the principal of Leto High School, was arrested on multiple charges including DUI and cocaine possession. Following a traffic stop, police discovered the drugs in his vehicle. Hazlett is currently on administrative leave, and the school district is investigating the incident. Community members have expressed concern about the implications for public safety and school leadership.
Tampa – Scott Hazlett, the principal of Leto High School, was arrested early Saturday morning by Temple Terrace police on multiple charges, including DUI and possession of cocaine. The incident took place around 1:40 a.m. near the intersection of Fowler Avenue and 60th Street, following a traffic stop for speeding.
During the traffic stop, officers observed Hazlett driving 15 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Upon further investigation, they noticed signs of impairment, leading to a field sobriety test. A search of Hazlett’s vehicle uncovered a bag containing a white powdery substance, which was later confirmed to be cocaine. As a result of the incident, Hazlett has been charged with possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving under the influence.
Following his arrest, Hazlett was held for approximately 10 hours before being released on a $3,500 bond. In light of the arrest, the Hillsborough County School District has placed Hazlett on administrative leave pending further investigation. The school district released a statement acknowledging the serious nature of the allegations and their potential impact on the school community.
Background and Career History
Scott Hazlett has been a part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools system since 2007. In a recent social media post on July 8, he was celebrated for his role as principal at Leto High School. His prior experience includes leading an international school in Vietnam in 2018 and returning to work as an assistant principal in Hillsborough Schools in 2019.
The school district has appointed Babita Artabasy, the current assistant principal of administration, as the interim principal to take over Hazlett’s responsibilities during this period.
Community Response
The news of Hazlett’s arrest has raised concerns in the community regarding public safety and the responsibilities of school leaders. Linda Unfried, co-founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Hillsborough County, expressed disappointment over the incident, highlighting its potential implications for public safety and the example it sets for students.
As this situation unfolds, it remains a topic of concern within the Tampa community, as residents and stakeholders closely monitor the actions of the school district concerning Hazlett’s future and the overall safety of the environment in which students are educated.
The Hillsborough County School District is expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses. This incident serves as a reminder of the significant responsibilities held by educators and administrators, particularly regarding the potential consequences of their actions on the school community as a whole.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Scott Hazlett
- WTSP News
- Google Search: Leto High School principal arrested
- ABC Action News
- Google Scholar: Scott Hazlett arrest
- Fox 13 Video Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Leto High School
- WTSP Video Report
- Google News: Scott Hazlett
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