South Carolina school psychologist arrested for drug possession

December 20, 2012

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - A psychologist for Horry County Schools is on paid administrative leave after his arrest for drug possession.

Richard Eric Montgomery, 39, was taken into custody Sunday, Dec. 9 for possession of less than one gram of ice, crank or crack cocaine.

The report from Horry County Police said Montgomery was riding a bicycle in the dark, without a headlight or a taillight. Officers initiated the stop by using the blue lights to get Montgomery to stop.

Before Montgomery stopped he was seen dropping a crack pipe and lighter on the ground.

The report states he continued to ride about 10 yards, got off his bike, reached in his pocket and threw a white substance to the ground.

When police arrested Montgomery, a field test of the white substance tested positive for the presence of cocaine.

He was released from J. Reuben Long Detention Center on Monday on $5,000 bond.

Horry County Schools spokeswoman Teal Britton says Montgomery is a multi-school psychologist for the school district, meaning he doesn't have an assigned school. He is assigned where he is needed.

Montgomery started working for Horry County Schools in October 2011, and as of Monday has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation.

Source: "Horry Co. Schools psychologist on leave after drug arrest," WMFB News, December 12th, 2012.