Shelby County Teacher Arrested on Drug-related Charges (Methamphetamine)

A social studies teacher from Eastern High School in Shelby County, KY has been reassigned to non-instructional duties after his arrest on multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine. 

According to arrest documents, Ralph Loechle, 51, was arrested Saturday night. Police say they stopped Loechle because his license plates did not match the description of his vehicle. 

Loechle allegedly told police he accidentally put the wrong plate on his vehicle.

After smelling marijuana in the car, police asked Loechle to step out of the vehicle.

Police then searched Loechle and his car and found a variety of evidence.

A burnt joint and a medicine bottle containing suspected meth were allegedly found in Loechle’s jacket. Loechle allegedly told police the medicine bottle was not his and that he just picked it up that morning.

Inside Loechle’s car, police found several clear baggies containing marijuana and marijuana residue. Loechle then admitted that the drugs were his and no one else’s.

Loechle was taken into custody and lodged at the Shelby County Jail. He was charged with improper display of plates, possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to maintain required insurance.

A judge set his bond at $5,000, but he has since bailed out. 

The Eastern High School website lists Loechle as a social studies teacher; however, a JCPS spokesperson told reporters Wednesday that he has been reassigned to non-instructional duties, per JCPS policy.

Loechle will appear in court again on May 13.