Chatham Co. middle school teacher faces drug charges in Apex

Two people, including a Chatham County teacher, were arrested Thursday on drug charges in Apex.

Investigators said Ashley Nicole Dillon, 29, and Landon Scott Lucas, 23, both of 2122 Cassowary Lane, Apex, were jailed under a $10,000 bond on charges of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dillon, Apex police said, is employed by Chatham County Schools.

District spokeswoman Lori Carlin said Dillon is a seventh-grade math teacher at Horton Middle School in Pittsboro and that she has been suspended with pay.

She has been an employee of Chatham County Schools since August 2011, Carlin said.

Interim Superintendent Derrick Jordan released a statement Thursday afternoon:

"We are taking the necessary actions to ensure that the employee's duties are covered and that student learning is uninterrupted. Our focus is in providing safe and excellent instruction. Regardless of the outcome of this investigation, we will continue working to provide the best educational environment for our students."