Rocky River High Staffer Accused of Offering Booze, Weed to Underage Grad

Michael Sandy, a non-teaching staff member, was arrested for allegedly trying to provide alcohol and marijuana to a former student who was a juvenile at the time.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A staff member at Rocky River High School in Ohio, Michael W. Sandy, has been arrested after police said he offered alcohol and marijuana to an underage graduate of the school. Sandy, who worked in the auditorium and had limited contact with students, faces a first-degree misdemeanor charge of attempted contributing to the delinquency or unruliness of a minor.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about the safety and well-being of students, even after they have graduated, and the need for thorough background checks and oversight of all school staff, not just teachers. It also comes on the heels of another recent misconduct case involving a Rocky River High School official.

The details

According to police, Sandy offered to provide drugs and alcohol to a Rocky River High graduate who was a juvenile when the messages were sent. The alleged incident occurred on June 12, 2025. Though Sandy is not a teacher, he worked in the auditorium and had limited contact with students from the drama department. Police do not believe Sandy actually gave marijuana or alcohol to students.

  • The alleged incident occurred on June 12, 2025.
  • Sandy was arrested by police on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Michael W. Sandy

A 56-year-old staff member at Rocky River High School who worked in the auditorium and had limited contact with students. He was arrested and charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for allegedly offering alcohol and marijuana to an underage graduate.

George Lichman

The Rocky River Police Chief who provided details about the case to cleveland.com.

Adham Schirg

The Superintendent of Rocky River schools, who placed Sandy on paid administrative leave after conducting an internal investigation.

Michael Bernhardt

A former Rocky River High School resource officer who was sentenced to six months in prison in December for repeatedly using the state's law enforcement database to get information on women and students.

Timothy McCormick

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge who allowed Bernhardt to be released early, just a month into his six-month sentence.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.