Teacher Lauren Russell claims she has been “unfairly” portrayed

A teacher allegedly filmed smoking an unknown substance from a makeshift bong alongside students has spoken for the first time since being charged with drug supply.

A high school teacher allegedly filmed smoking an unknown substance from a makeshift bong while with uniformed students today has hit out at being secretly recorded claiming: “I’m not a dealer.”

Lauren Russell, 42, said she had been “unfairly” portrayed and that the truth would be revealed.

The mother-of-three was arrested at her home in Beverly Hills, in Sydney‘s southwest, last Friday and charged with drug supply amid allegations she handed cannabis to students at Lucas Heights Community School in Sydney’s south.

She is yet to enter a plea to the charge.

Teacher Lauren Russell leaving her Beverley Hills home on Monday. Picture: John Grainger

Russell claims she has been “unfairly portrayed”. Picture: John Grainger

Several days after her arrest, footage emerged of Russell sitting on a milk crate holding a plastic bottle, while a teenager lights it with a gas lighter.

The video allegedly shows Russell smoking an unknown substance from the makeshift bong constructed from the Gatorade bottle and a piece of hose.

Screen grabs from the footage.

The video was allegedly circulated around the school community.

An emotional Russell on Monday said she could “not yet” comment on the charge or footage for legal reasons, except to say “the truth will come out.”

When asked about the charges laid against her, she replied: “I am not a (drug) dealer.”

The American-born teacher, who has taught at the school for seven years, apparently had no idea she was being filmed when she allegedly smoked from the constructed bong.

Police allege she supplied cannabis in Menai at 3.30pm on December 15 last year.She has not been charged over the video.

Lauren Russell has taught at the school for the past seven years. Picture: John Grainger

Russell has been charged with drug supply. Picture: John Grainger

Russell did not appear at Sutherland Local Court for her first mention on Wednesday when an unnamed legal representative sent an email asking for her matter to be adjourned for four weeks to obtain instructions.

Ms Russell, who lives with her family in Beverley Hills, was part of a fraternity at Drexel University in Philadelphia where she studied biology.

A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education said Ms Russell was immediately removed from the school as soon as the allegations were made known.

She has been banned from the school grounds and contacting students.

“They will not be allowed on school grounds and have been instructed not to contact students,” the spokesman said.

“We are deeply concerned by the allegations. We have high expectations of our employees.”

The spokesman said the department could not comment further while the matter was before the court.