Incident Caught on Surveillance
A Florida elementary school teacher is facing legal consequences after being accused of stealing prescription drugs from a colleague’s personal belongings. Deborah Gibbens, 51, was taken into custody on Tuesday, October 6, by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. She is currently charged with the possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription.
The investigation was initiated on October 5 following a report of theft within the school’s administrative offices. According to law enforcement, the entire event was documented on video. The victim had previously set up a hidden camera in the office after noticing that her hydrocodone medication had been disappearing over the course of three weeks.
Footage reviewed by investigators reportedly shows Gibbens searching through her coworker’s backpack, extracting the pill bottle, and subsequently placing it back before closing the bag.
Admission and Investigation Details
While Gibbens initially denied the allegations when confronted by authorities, she reportedly confessed once she was made aware of the video evidence. She informed investigators that she had been taking the medication periodically since late August. During questioning, she claimed that she had mistaken the hydrocodone for over-the-counter pain relievers, specifically ibuprofen and Tylenol. However, deputies confirmed that Gibbens did not hold a prescription for the medication she was caught taking.
Although the incident involved theft, the victim chose not to pursue formal charges related to the theft itself. The arrest was carried out by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit in coordination with local police in Ormond Beach.
Official Response
Sheriff Rick Staly addressed the breach of professional conduct in a formal statement:
«Teachers are trusted to set the example as they should be role models for their students. Sneaking into a co-worker’s backpack, stealing medicine she didn’t have a prescription for, then lying about it severely breaks that trust.»
Following her arrest, Gibbens was processed at the Volusia County Branch Jail and later released after posting a $2,500 bond. It remains unclear at this time if she has retained legal counsel or entered a formal plea regarding the charges. School district officials noted that the actions of one individual do not represent the professional standards of the district's broader staff.