Richmond School Board Member, First Internet Sex Now Pot

All sorts of people jumped to defend this guy when he was found to be advertising himself on the Internet for sex. Just can't find enough ways to continue embarrassing the City of Richmond. The first was what you call a clue. This is just a confirmation of the lack of judgment this man has. Why does the school board continue to back this nitwit?

Richmond School Board member Stephen B. Johnson has admitted to possession of three marijuana joints after being stopped by security at Richmond International Airport yesterday.

Johnson said the joints were for medicinal purposes. The drugs were confiscated and he was not charged.

In December, Johnson stepped down as chairman after admitting to posting a profile on a pornographic Website.

He is serving his second term on the School Board, where he represents the 5th District.

Even if it is for medicinal purposes you would think he would make some provision to alert authorities before going to an airport.

Update 02 March, 2006: Today the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports Johnson's resignation. What the article can't explain is why Johnson was not cited for possession.

Airport spokesman Troy Bell said no summons was issued. He would not comment about why Johnson was not charged.

Asked about the routine procedures for handling drug infractions at the airport, President Jon Mathiasen issued a statement through Bell, which said, "It is not his policy to discuss police matters."

Virginia state police Sgt. Kevin Barrick, said law-enforcement officials sometimes will wait to charge someone if they are not sure what a substance is and need to send it to the lab for processing. When a portion of the incident report was read to him, including information about the admission that the joints were marijuana, Barrick said, "I'm not sure why they did it like that. Normally, if we know what it is, we'll issue them at least a summons and they'll have to appear in court." State police were not involved in the incident at the airport.

Yesterday, Johnson, who is serving his second term on the School Board, did not hesitate to spell out his plans. "I plan on tendering my resignation effective Monday," he said. "I have some personal issues I need to take care of. I think it's best if I step down from the board."

He added: "I've enjoyed my time on the board. I think I've been effective. . . . I think that it's time to let someone else do that job and I need to take care of myself for a change."