Seattle Teacher Accused of Buying Cannabis for a Student

A teacher in Seattle surrendered his teaching certificate after allegedly purchasing cannabis for a student after school hours at a medical clinic.

Dan Richman taught for Seattle Public Schools for 18 years, worked with court-involved children at King County’s juvenile detention center, and was described by others as a ‘star’ teacher. Hey, if my high school teacher bought me weed I’d say they were a star as well.

Richman’s educational career ended last month when he voluntarily surrendered his teaching credentials after allegations arose that he had taken teenagers to a medical clinic and purchased cannabis for an 18 year old woman. Stacy Howard, Seattle Public Schools spokeswoman, stated that the district could “confirm he resigned for what he described as personal reasons,” but refused to put forward any information regarding the nature of Richman’s resignation.

Richman resigned from his job in July after the rumors started surfacing, but he still denies that he purchased weed for the teenage student. Richman admitted that he had taken the teenagers with him while he went to a clinic, but he asserts that he often spent time with students outside of the classroom and the cannabis he purchased was for his own use. “I went by my conscience,” he said. “Some of the best moments I had with kids were in the car on the way home… I gave my life to these kids, I really did.”

In a report the case investigator said that Richman had picked up the 18 year old female student after a phone call, and took her as well as another student to the clinic where he purchased weed and gave it to them. Richman claims that he knows the student and her family well and had taken her out for a teriyaki dinner to celebrate her birthday. He claimed that he purchased the cannabis for himself during the trip, but that he did not give any to the students or even smoke it in their presence. “There was a concern that I was overly involved with these kids,” said Richman. “People would say I crossed a line, but it was for them.”

Authorities are also concerned about accusations that Richman made videos encouraging gang identification. “Gang kids were his associates,” the investigator for the Office of Professional Practices stated in a report. “His students were on court probation and such.” Richman denies allegation of the video as well, calling it the “most upsetting” accusation placed against him. He claimed that he would not promote gang membership and does not even know how to make a video. He speculated that investigators may have seen a video posted on his Facebook wall and errantly attributed it to him.

Richman effectively ended the OSPI investigation into his conduct when he surrendered his license. OSPI’s only investigate matters which extend to licensed teachers. The criminal investigation did not result in any charges. “My life has really moved on from this,” concluded Richman.