Northwest Catholic Teacher and Coach Arrested on Drug Charges

A search warrant executed Tuesday morning led to the arrest of a English teacher and head lacrosse coach and his wife.

Christopher Gallagher, 40, and his wife, Kristine Gallagher, 44, were arrested at their 11 Sunset Lane home in Bloomfield Tuesday on numerous drug charges. Gallagher coaches lacrosse and teaches English at Northwest.

A joint investigation by the Bloomfield Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency resulted in the discovery and seizure of approximately 90 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, police said. They also seized 4 pounds of dried marijuana.

According to Bloomfield police, three firearms, $2,200 in cash, and hardware associated with marijuana growing including heat lamps, fans, irrigation system, fertilizers, and other equipment and drug paraphernalia were also seized at the Sunset Lane home.

Christopher Gallagher is being held on $150,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear Wednesday in Hartford Superior Court. Kristine Gallagher posted $50,000 bail and was released. She is scheduled to appear in court on June 18.

Both Christopher and Christine Gallagher have been charged with cultivation of more than 1 kilogram of marijuana, possession of more than 4 oz. of marijuana, possession with intent to sell, operating a drug factory, and conspiracy to commit those crimes.

Bloomfield police say they anticipate more charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.

According to the Hartford Courant, Northwest Catholic Principal Margaret Williamson has placed Christopher Gallagher on "indefinite adminstrative leave."