A driving under the influence (DUI) charge is no small matter. But things can get so much worse quickly. Like if a DUI arrest turns out to be a high school principal and Florida police find cocaine in the car. 

Tampa police arrested this Florida high school principal for a DUI– then they found his cocaine

Police in Tampa, Florida, pulled over 40-year-old Scott Hazlett on Saturday morning. They arrested Hazlett for a DUI and found an undisclosed amount of cocaine during a subsequent search.

More troublingly, though, Hazlett was recently appointed principal of Leto High School in Hillsborough County, Florida. Understandably, he isn’t a principal anymore, as the school district immediately placed him on administrative leave.

“These allegations are deeply concerning, and we appreciate the prompt response from law enforcement,” the Hillsborough County School District said in a statement. “We understand the impact this may have on our students and staff… And we remain committed to providing them with the appropriate support during this time.”

In Florida, a first-time DUI conviction can land a driver in prison for up to six months and result in fines up to $2,000. Make no mention of legal fees. However, subsequent convictions can lead to much stricter consequences, like more jail time or even felony charges. 

The DUI is one thing, but his cocaine possession makes things a whole lot worse. According to Meltzer & Bell, P.A., a conviction for even a small amount of cocaine can result in up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and five years of probation. 

As for driving privileges, merely having cocaine means a six-month driver’s license suspension. But in Hazlett’s case, the DUI element of his crime is enough for a license suspension, even without the cocaine possession.