A former Putnam County principal recently rehired as a teacher was arrested Thursday night and charged with driving under the influence.
Putnam sheriff's deputies were dispatched Thursday to First Sentry Bank on First Avenue, in Nitro, to check on a man reportedly passed out behind the wheel of a Toyota 4-Runner in the drive-through lane. A bank employee reported the vehicle, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.
The deputy found the vehicle and noted that the engine was running and in 'drive,' with Bradley Knell in the driver's seat, the statement read. Knell had a "strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his facial area," according to the statement. He also appeared to have urinated on himself, deputies wrote.
Knell told the deputy that he'd "drank two beers," when asked if he was under the influence of anything, deputies wrote.
According to the statement, Knell showed signs of impairment while attempting field sobriety tests.
A search of his vehicle revealed a prescription bottle for Klonopin, a medication used to treat anxiety, panic disorders and seizures, in the center console, the statement read. Knell told the deputy, when asked, that he'd taken the medication before driving but that he was prescribed them.
His blood alcohol content was later recorded as .088. The legal limit is .08.
Knell was principal at Poca High School when he was arrested in September 2016 and charged with two counts of felony computer fraud after allegedly using a debit card linked to the school's basketball boosters. He was suspended from his position in October 2016 and resigned the following February.
The charges were reduced to a misdemeanor obtaining by false pretenses charge in April, according to court records. He pleaded guilty in July and was ordered to pay $660.25 in court costs and restitution by January 2018.
The Putnam County Board of Education voted Monday to rehire him as a teacher at Buffalo High School.
Putnam Schools Superintendent John Hudson said he had been notified by the sheriff's department about Knell's arrest.
"I am extremely disappointed by the alleged conduct, especially in light of Mr. Knell's recent re-employment by the school system, subject to several contingencies that were put into place," Hudson said in an emailed statement. "I am limited by what I can discuss given this is a personnel matter as Mr. Knell is entitled to certain due process rights, but please know I will handle this situation pursuant to all applicable personnel laws and will be making a recommendation to the board in the very near future regarding Mr. Knell's future employment after proper notice has been afforded to him. Until such time Mr. Knell will not be on any school grounds or property owned by the Putnam County Board of Education."