Swampscott High Counselor Accused Of Breaking Into Teacher's Home
SWAMPSCOTT (CBS) – A veteran Swampscott High School guidance counselor is accused of breaking into a teacher's home.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
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According to police, 51-year-old guidance counselor Tom Healey broke into the unidentified woman's house on Humprhey Street.
"He allegedly broke into the house went in through a window. Upon talking to him, (he) agreed to come back to the station. He admitted to breaking into the house looking for prescription medicine… for himself," said Swampscott Police Detective Sgt Tim Cassidy.
Cassidy says it happened during school hours and the house belonged to a teacher, who Healey presumably knew would not be home.
As an adjustment counselor, part of Healey's job was to counsel students who'd been caught with drugs or alcohol.
Swampscott High School has become well known recently for one of the most aggressive drug and alcohol policies in the state.
The news comes as a shock to many in the community, and a sad surprise to people who know Healey.
"Perfectly great guy," said 17-year-old Talia Jacques.
Added 18-year-old Kendra Young, "I'd say he's a good person, and I don't believe anything that I'm hearing right now."
WBZ-TV's Peg Rusconi reports.
"We all know Mr. Healey. He's been a good guy in the community. You know, it's sad to see he has a problem. There are plenty of people out there with prescription drug problems and it doesn't pick and choose who it affects. Unfortunately, it's affecting him right now," Swampscott Police Sgt. Tim Cassidy told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
School officials declined comment, saying this is a personnel matter. No one answered the door at Healey's house.
He will be summonsed to court on a charge of breaking and entering.
He's been placed on paid administrative leave by the school district and told to stay away from school property.
WBZ-TV's Peg Rusconi and WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens contributed to this report
