Police Arrest Rockland Teacher from Mahwah on Drug Charges

A Mahwah woman who is an elementary school teacher in Rockland County was arrested Tuesday after allegedly driving through Clarkstown, NY while under the influence of prescription drugs, Clarkstown Police said Wednesday.

Clarkstown Police arrested Jill Blau, 40, a teacher at Link Elementary School in New City, NY, on charges of driving while ability impaired by drugs and criminal possession of a controlled substance, police said.

Cops say Blau was stopped at 1 p.m. Tuesday after she was observed driving very slowly on Gerlach Drive in New City.  

Police report Blau submitted to field sobriety tests, which she failed, and a Drug Influence Evaluation, which is pending.

Clarkstown Sgt. Jo Anne Fratianni said, "A search of Blau’s vehicle uncovered several prescription drugs which she did not possess a prescription for."

Clarkstown School Superintendent Dr. J. Thomas Morton sent a notice to parents on Wednesday afternoon that a Link teacher had been arrested, but did not provide a name or explanation. The message noted the teacher is on a leave of absence.  

Blau is listed in the Link directory as a special education teacher.  

Blau was arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court and released on her own recognizance. She is scheduled to appear in court on July 8.   

Submit your questions or news tips to jessica.mazzola@patch.com. And, remember to sign up for Patch's daily newsletter, and get updates on Facebook and Twitter.