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Attorney: Teacher's case could get thrown out

Posted at 4:36 PM, Mar 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-03 22:22:08-05

A misunderstanding led to the arrest of a local high school teacher accused of trying to buy marijuana from a student, the educator's attorney told 10News.

Attorney Michael Runkle said he believes charges will not be filed against his client, 34-year-old history teacher and lacrosse coach Miles Brown.

Brown was arrested at Canyon Crest Academy on Feb. 25 -- while classes were in session -- on suspicion of attempted solicitation of marijuana from a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to San Diego police.

RELATED: Police: Teacher tried to buy pot from student

Brown resigned from his position after his arrest, 10News learned.

Police said the arrest came after the department's Juvenile Services team conducted a follow-up investigation into narcotics-related allegations involving two students at Canyon Crest Academy.

Police said during the investigation, officers discovered what appeared to be communication between a teacher and a student.

However, Runkle told 10News that the accusations against Brown stem from a misunderstanding in a text message.

"It's alleged that there was electronic communication from one of my client's devices to a student that somehow had a reference to marijuana," Runkle said.

Additionally, Runkle said after Brown posted bail, he took a drug test the following day and did not test positive for any drugs.

Runkle added his client does not use drugs and does not have a criminal background, saying, "He doesn't use marijuana, he's not a medical marijuana patient and he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize his career."

According to Runkle, Brown called the ordeal "devastating" and believes it has "ruined his career." Runkle said police executed a search warrant and collected phones and computers at Brown's home.

Runkle told 10News, "People have a tendency to jump to conclusions, and that is going to grossly, adversely affect my client's ability to work, his ability to continue his career."

Brown was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, but the case remains under review by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office and no charges have been filed.

"Obviously, there are no massive issues involving employment [nor] massive issues for his love for the game of lacrosse." Runkle said. "I understand why the school reacted the way they did. I understand why the police reacted the way they did. Ultimately, they are trying to do their job and they are trying to make sure people are safe. Unfortunately, in this case, Mr. Brown is caught with the short end of the stick."

Canyon Crest sophomore Andreas Weiland said he believes Brown "was a good teacher. I think he was very helpful; history was clearly his passion … I was really surprised with what happened."