Deputies arrest East County school worker

Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies on June 24 arrested a custodian of Haile Middle School for possession of drug paraphernalia at his Ellenton home.

Manatee County School District employee Boyce Dunn, 49, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. Another individual, Paul Houle, also was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and for child abuse.

A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies were dispatched to a home in the 1600 block of 34th Avenue East in Ellenton in reference to a child abuse situation in which the occupants were using drugs in the presence of a child.

When deputies arrived, they saw drug paraphernalia in plan view through the open front door of the residence. After a short time, Dunn and Houle approached on foot.

Deputies learned Dunn was renting the residence and Houle was visiting.

Boyce gave his consent for deputies to collect drug paraphernalia, which he said belonged to Houle, in the common area and showed the deputies other items.

Dunn later admitted that one crack pipe belonged to him, and he was arrested and transported to jail.
Houle was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and child abuse, the report states.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].