St. Paul teacher accused of drinking on job charged

Star Tribune

Last update: March 26, 2009 - 12:18 AM

A substitute teacher who was allegedly drinking on the job at a St. Paul elementary school last month has been charged with a misdemeanor.

Karl F. Gehrke, 43, was teaching a fourth-grade class at Roosevelt Elementary West Side School of Excellence on March 10 when students reported to the principal that he was drunk and "drinking something out of a clear bottle with a gray top."

The principal called police, who drove Gehrke home. Police later found in his bag a pint-size bottle of vodka -- which was one-third full -- and he registered 0.19 percent on a Breathalyzer test.

Gehrke is being charged with possessing alcohol on school grounds. He could face as many as 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

"I'm glad that there is an appropriate law that addresses the situation," said St. Paul City Attorney John Choi. "The behavior, I think, was offensive and outrageous to the community."

According to the complaint, Principal Scott Tryggeseth told police that when he spoke with Gehrke at the school, "he was slurring his words, had poor balance and watery, red eyes."

Gehrke later admitted to police that he had been drinking earlier in the day. Police records show Gehrke pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence in 2007.

He could not be reached for comment.

The statute used to charge Gehrke is "rarely used," Choi said.

"This is not something that is used very often," he said, "which is probably a good thing."

EMILY JOHNS

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