PITTSBURGH -- A suspended high school science teacher who's charged in a bank robbery and with taking more than 10 laptop computers from the Pittsburgh School for the Creative and Performing Arts can enter a rehab center for heroin addiction.
Philicia Barbieri, 25, waived her preliminary hearing Tuesday and will be released from the Allegheny County Jail on bond so she can enter what could be up to a 90-day program in Butler.
"She understands the seriousness of what occurred here, and the impact it's going to have on her life," defense attorney Pat Thomassey said.
The Shadyside woman made a quick appearance before District Judge Nathan Firestone in Municipal Court and did not speak.
According to her attorney, an expensive four-month-old heroin addiction fueled Barbieri's actions.
"When people are addicted to feed their habit, they have to have money. She had a $100-a-day habit. That's a lot of money for a school teacher," Thomassey said. "It happens all the time that people who would never, ever think of violating the law commit these crimes, become addicted to drugs and commit felonies. It's awful."
Continue Reading: wtae.com (video)
Leave a comment