Teacher Accused of Using Cocaine Placed on Leave

A high school teacher was placed on leave Wednesday after an administrator saw him snorting cocaine in his classroom, officials said.

Richard Bedigan, 47, of Burbank, was seen “ingesting cocaine through a straw by an assistant principal at Burroughs High School,” said Bob Frazier, director of personnel for the Burbank Unified School District.

Arrested Tuesday at the school soon after the alleged drug use, Bedigan was accused of possession and being under the influence of cocaine and was booked at the Burbank jail. He was later released on $10,000 bond.

“It’s a strong case,” said Lt. Robert Giles of the Burbank Police Department. “It’s a simple scenario, pretty straightforward. He was seen doing it.”

Bedigan allegedly used the cocaine during a lunch period when the classroom was empty. There were no other witnesses.

County prosecutors began reviewing the case, but no charges had been filed Wednesday.

Bedigan has been a science instructor at Burroughs since 1990, when he joined the district’s faculty, Frazier said.

The district will not take steps to fire Bedigan, whose leave will be paid, until after his criminal case has been resolved.

Bedigan could not be reached for comment.