BAINBRIDGE – The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District has removed a middle school English teacher from the classroom after State Police charged him last week with growing marijuana at a home day care.

On May 16, officials from the Office of Children and Family Services, Bureau of Day Care Enforcement conducted a surprise inspection of a licensed day care facility operated by 22-year-old Stephanie L. Emerson from her home at 1566 County Route 39, in the Town of Bainbridge.

State Police said the day care inspector carrying out the check found marijuana plants growing in the basement. Police were contacted and conducted an additional search of property in which they reportedly discovered more marijuana plants growing in the back yard. Police also said they found a modified shotgun, a small amount of prescription medication, and more processed marijuana within the home.

Police did not charge Emerson, but arrested 32-year-old James M. Spinella, who was also living at the residence. Spinella was charged with fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon, seventh criminal possession of a controlled substance, fifth degree criminal possession of marijuana and unlawfully growing cannabis.

Assistant District Attorney Michael D. Ferrarese said Spinella was facing non-felony level crimes and his case will be processed in Town of Bainbridge Court. He did not want to comment on the case, but said the legal definition of the possession charges indicate police discovered less than a total pound of marijuana at the residence.