DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) – A Valley Head woman is facing multiple charges after authorities say she drugged two foreign exchange students staying at her home.
Catherine C. Findley, 52, was charged with two counts of contributing to criminal offenses of a minor, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of second-degree marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation conducted by their Investigations Unit, the DeKalb County Drug Task Force and ASSE – World Heritage (an overseas student company) led to Findley’s arrest on November 17.
The investigation is ongoing, the sheriff’s office said, with additional charges pending.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said the following about the incident:
“I’m so grateful that this situation ended well. I pray that both students can put this behind them and continue with the program.
We would like to thank the DCSO Investigations and Interdiction Unit, DTF and ASSE – World Heritage for protecting these students and working diligently until the students were safe as it should be.”
Sheriff Welden
According to the organization’s website, ASSE – World Heritage – seeks out families, couples or single parents – with or without children in the household – to welcome girls and boys aged 15 to 18 from Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Pacific, Asia and Africa.
A suggestion on the website says that exchange students “can even share a room with a child of the same age and of the same sex,” adding that all financial responsibility from plane tickets to insurance and medical care rests with the students.
“Your most important contribution is anything but monetary,” the website reads. “It comes from the heart – a willingness to welcome that student into your country and into your home by making him or her feel like a real family member.”
Both students were transferred out of state and will continue the program at another home, authorities added.
According to the sheriff’s office, Findley was released the day after her arrest.
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