CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A Northwest High School guidance counselor was arrested on charges of simple possession stemming from an incident on school grounds, and she resigned from her position the same day.

Kristen Michelle Watson, 41, was arrested Aug. 31 on two counts of simple possession, a Class A misdemeanor.

According to the arrest warrant obtained by Clarksville Now, on Aug. 13, a “white powder substance” was discovered in the school restroom that field tested positive for cocaine. “Video obtained from the school showed the defendant entering and exiting the restroom prior to discovery,” the warrant states.

Two weeks later, on Aug. 31, officers returned to the school to investigate a report of “possible illegal drugs” on school grounds at Northwest. Officers made contact with Watson, alleging she exhibited “mumbled and slurred speech, dilated pupils, and consistent drainage from her nose.” The warrant further alleges Watson said she “had been using cocaine for approximately six months” and “may have inadvertently brought cocaine onto school property in the past.”

Officers said they found a “clear plastic bag containing a white powder substance and two small hollow straws inside a bag” when they searched Watson’s vehicle. The substance field tested positive for cocaine and had a field weight of 5 grams, according to the warrant.

Clarksville-Montgomery County School System spokesperson Anthony Johnson told Clarksville Now Watson had been employed by CMCSS since 2020.

Johnson said she resigned on the day of her arrest. “By resigning, she waived any rights to due process from CMCSS, and she is no longer employed by the district,” he said. “CMCSS fully cooperates in law enforcement investigations and must protect the integrity of their investigations and the judicial process.”

Court records indicate Watson was arraigned in General Sessions Court on Thursday. Her next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19 as a docket call at the Montgomery County Courts Center.

Correction: Watson was arrested Aug. 31, two weeks after the cocaine being found on Aug. 13. The article has been updated.

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