Trust Avenues to keep you in the loop.
Avenues Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehab in Maryland with 15 locations spanning seven U.S. states. Our robust blog is the go-to place for all things addiction-related – be it information, news, or resources in Maryland, we’ll keep you current with everything trending in your area.
When it comes to addiction, go to the go-to.
In a case that has shocked the Burtonsville community, Sarah Katherine Magid, a first-grade teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), faces grave charges for distributing fentanyl linked to a fatal overdose. The 34-year-old educator was indicted after law enforcement uncovered evidence connecting her to the March 2024 death of a victim from fentanyl toxicity.
The Moco Show reported that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced the charges on November 13, 2024, with U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron and DEA Special Agent Jarod Forget outlining the severity of the case. Investigators found text messages between Magid and the victim that detailed a transaction involving counterfeit pills made to resemble oxycodone but laced with the deadly synthetic opioid. Shortly after this transaction, the victim was found deceased.
Further inquiries revealed even more unsettling allegations. A complainant reported Magid had exited her classroom during school hours to conduct drug sales. Law enforcement obtained additional text messages from her phone that corroborated the claim, suggesting that the illegal activities were not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern.
The case is part of a concerted effort by Maryland’s Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Task Force (MFOTFF), a collaboration of local, state, and federal agencies aimed at curbing the fentanyl crisis through heightened awareness and aggressive prosecution of overdose-related cases.
Magid, if convicted, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in federal prison. While the indictment underscores the gravity of the charges, it also serves as a reminder that all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This tragic case shines a harsh light on the pervasive reach of the fentanyl epidemic, even infiltrating trusted spaces like schools. As communities grapple with the devastating consequences of opioid misuse, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and collaborative efforts to combat the ongoing crisis.
If you or your loved one are involved with drugs and struggling with addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery today. Our staff are specialists in addiction and can help you recover in a safe and supportive environment. Contact us today to begin your journey to sobriety.