Viera Charter Elementary Teacher Arrested on Cocaine Charge After Traffic Stop in Volusia County
A teacher employed at Viera Charter School was arrested in Volusia County on March 3, 2026, after deputies say a police dog alerted to her vehicle and officers found a white powdery substance that field-tested presumptively positive for cocaine.
How the Stop Occurred
According to the arrest report, the encounter began around 7:11 p.m. during a property check at the New Smyrna Regional Shopping Center at 1900 SR 44, when deputies found an occupied vehicle parked away from others. The vehicle’s tag came back as expired and not assigned to the car. Deputies also noted an open alcoholic beverage labeled “Mom Juice” in the center console and reported that the driver, Jill Filipowicz, appeared increasingly nervous during the interaction.
Drugs Discovered; Admission Made
A K-9 alerted to the vehicle, and a subsequent search produced approximately 2.7 grams of the white powdery substance, which field-tested presumptively positive for cocaine. After being read her rights, Filipowicz allegedly told deputies she had “something” to tell them about what was in the vehicle, claimed she had taken the cocaine from her ex-boyfriend, and admitted she had been using cocaine for several months. The report also notes she attempted to conceal the substance as a deputy approached.
Arrest and School Response
Filipowicz was arrested on a charge of possession of cocaine and transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail. A request for comment from Viera Charter School had not received a response at the time of publication.
As with all criminal cases, the charges filed against Jill Filipowicz are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.