An assistant principal at Pasco High School in Dade City already out on bond for DUI was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Sunday evening, December 13, 2020, on multiple drug possession charges and Driving under the Influence.

PCSO deputies responded to a crash near the intersection of Kathleen Road and Galloway Road in Lakeland at about 9:37 pm.

Neither of the drivers were injured from the crash, but 49-year-old Ralph Stewart from Plant City, was determined to be impaired and arrested. According to the arrest affidavit, Stewart “appeared to have difficulty maintaining his balance and swayed side to side as he was walking.” Stewart was also reported to have bloodshot, watery eyes.

During the investigation, deputies also found Stewart to be in possession of Alprazolam and more than 20-grams of marijuana.

At the time of the crash, Stewart was out on bond for a previous DUI, and his driver’s license was suspended on October 17, 2020 for Refusal to Submit to a BAL Test.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a terrible decision that too many times results in the loss of innocent lives. This was Ralph Stewart's second DUI arrest in less than two months. He is in the position of being a role model and setting good examples for the students. I’m going to give Mr. Stewart an “F” for failing to do that.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Ralph Stewart was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail where he was charged with the following: Possession of Alprazolam (F3), Possession of Marijuana- over 20 Grams (F3), Maintaining a Public Nuisance by Transporting Narcotics (F3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1), DUI with Property Damage (M1), and Knowingly Driving while License Suspended/Revoked (M2).

Any inquiries regarding Mr. Stewart’s employment status should be directed to the Pasco County School Board.