CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — A custodian at Garden City School in Cranston was arrested Thursday after allegedly being found with fentanyl on school property.
Police responded to the elementary school on Plantation Drive around 6:33 p.m. following a report of a disturbance. School officials informed officers that custodian Anthony DeSimone, 51, was discovered unconscious on the loading dock.
After DeSimone regained consciousness, emergency medical services were called. A school employee who searched a nearby bathroom—where DeSimone had reportedly been earlier—found a cigarette pack containing two baggies of a white powdery substance.
Although DeSimone refused medical treatment and initially left the school grounds, he later returned to retrieve the cigarette pack, prompting officers to arrest him.
During the arrest, police said DeSimone had a metal spoon with burn marks and capped needles in his possession. The white substance inside the cigarette pack tested positive for fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.
DeSimone is facing charges for possession of a Schedule I-V controlled substance. Cranston Public Schools confirmed that he is no longer employed by the district.
Local residents expressed concern over the incident. “It’s just absolutely terrible,” said Cranston grandparent Bob Delgallo. “I can’t condone it.”
DeSimone was also issued a no-contact order with Cranston Public Schools.
