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Bensalem School Board Member Facing Drug Charges

BENSALEM, Pa. (CBS) -- Residents in Bensalem Township say they had no idea Sherri Underland, a school board member who serves on the Drug and Alcohol Committee, had been charged with marijuana possession. Even her neighbors of eight years didn't have a clue.

"I had no idea," said neighbor Ed Holden, who described Underland as someone who is very involved in the community.

"We were talking just yesterday and she never said nothing," said Vera Holden.

The 42-year-old's run in with the law started back in February when police were investigating her 19-year-old son.

"As a result of the investigation with her son, it lead to a search warrant of her residence," said Sgt. Andrew Aninsman with Bensalem Township Police.

According to an affidavit obtained by Eyewitness News, aside from finding drug paraphernalia and marijuana in her son's room; officers recovered a pill bottle containing marijuana from Underland's bedroom.

She and her husband were both charged at the end of March.

Underland's attorney, Keith Bidlingmaier told us, "What was found in Underland's home did not belong to her. She is looking forward to clearing herself of this incident."

Her attorney says Underland hopes to make her case at her next court appearance.

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In a statement to Eyewitness News, District Superintendent William J. Gretzula said: "This is a private matter involving a board member that was previously brought to my attention. I have no knowledge of any of the specifics."

Meanwhile several students and parents say they're baffled by the news.

"To have prevention for high school at the end of the day you are possessing something you're trying to prevent, she's a walking contradiction," said student Brittany Outtene.

"If she can't get her own son, how is she going to help other kids?" said parent Lana Farbman.

Underland was elected in 2009. She remains on the school board.

Reported by Jericka Duncan, CBS 3

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