On March 16, 2026, police in Cranston, Rhode Island arrested Stephanie Cicilline-Given, 58, a teacher's assistant at Chester W. Barrows Elementary School, after discovering cocaine in the restroom of the school's health office. According to police reports, a school nurse found a plastic bag containing cocaine along with a straw — an item commonly used for consuming the substance — and handed it over to the principal, who then contacted the police. The investigation quickly narrowed down to Cicilline-Given, the last person to use the restroom before morning recess. When questioned, she initially thought the police had found her lost electronic cigarette. Upon learning it was cocaine, she immediately asked if she needed a lawyer — before being formally charged. During the interview, Cicilline-Given repeatedly denied any knowledge of the cocaine. However, she posed a notable question: what would happen next if she admitted it belonged to her. Later, she retracted, stating she did not admit to dropping the cocaine, only acknowledging that she used the substance outside of work hours. Police believe the packet of cocaine may have fallen out of her purse while she was applying makeup in the restroom. She was then taken to headquarters and charged with a misdemeanor related to cocaine possession. Cicilline-Given is the sister of former Democratic Representative David Cicilline. The incident has drawn attention because it occurred within a school environment with young students. The defendant is scheduled to appear in court on April 21, 2026.

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