SUFFOLK
A Suffolk woman who was released from her job as a teacher in the Franklin public school system after being charged with drug charges was found guilty on Wednesday.

Elizabeth Ferguson was arrested on Sept. 26, 2014, by Suffolk police on two warrants that dated back to December 2013 for distribution of heroin. She was hired by FCPS on Sept. 29 pending a background check.

Ferguson was then fired from S.P. Morton Elementary School in December after the Franklin school system learned of the charges through a background check, Superintendent Willie Bell said at the time last year.

Ferguson entered an Alford plea on Wednesday to one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute, meaning she did not admit guilt but admitted the evidence was likely sufficient to find her guilty in a trial.

Two charges of distribution of heroin were not prosecuted as part of a plea agreement.

Her sentencing is set for Dec. 3.