Connecticut psychologist Jessica Buggeln arrested for running "drug factory"

September 5, 2013

GLASTONBURY — Narcotics officers found more than a pound of marijuana and $2,415 in cash at a local home Wednesday and arrested the residents, including a woman who told police she is a school psychologist, police said.

Residents Jessica Buggeln, who works at East Hartford Middle School, and Eric Buggeln, were taken into custody after the drug bust at 86 Stancliff Road.

They were charged with operating a drug factory, possession of more than four ounces of marijuana, possession with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia within 1,500 feet of a school, police said.

They were released on promises to appear in Superior Court in Manchester on Sept. 18, said Manchester Sgt. Anthony Palombizio, a member of the regional narcotics squad.

In addition to the marijuana and money, officers from East Central Narcotics found a scale, packaging materials and other drug paraphernalia at the house, police said.

Jessica Buggeln identified herself as a school psychologist when she was arrested, Palombizio said. A faculty and staff directory on the school's website lists her as Jessica Bartolini-Buggeln.

She declined to comment when reached at her desk Thursday, saying she was with a student.

In a press release issued Thursday afternoon, Superintendent Nathan Quesnel said that the district had placed an employee on administrative leave after learning she was arrested for drug-related offenses. The release did not name Jessica Buggeln but said the employee had been arrested at her home. A search of property records indicates that 86 Stancliff Road is Jessica Buggeln's residence.

She will remain on leave while the district investigates the matter further, Quesnel said in the release.

Source: Christine Dempsey, "Glastonbury Couple, Including School Psychologist, Charged With Running Drug Factory," Hartford Courant, September 5, 2013.