Magnet school students shocked by teacher's marijuana arrest

The Paul Stein who taught physics at an elite Philadelphia magnet school was known as an excellent teacher and a friendly presence in the hallways.

After his arrest last week on allegations that he tried to sell a pound of marijuana to an undercover officer in Cheltenham, a new view of him began to emerge, to the amazement of his students.

"It shocked everyone," said Kendra Gordon, a junior at Stein's former school. "You can't believe it."

Hers was the prevailing sentiment Wednesday outside George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science, where Stein taught for nine years.

Senior Tiana Butler said she had eaten lunch every day last year with Stein, who also taught engineering and chemistry classes.

"He was a nice person," she said. "It's such a shame this happened."

On Twitter, where students started a tongue-in-cheek "FreeStein" feed, the mood was a bit more irreverent, with promises to wear "Free Stein!" T-shirts to alumni day.

"It was just weed," one post read.

"He was an awesome science teacher," said another.

Prosecutors took a different view of Stein.

Montgomery County First Assistant District Attorney Kevin R. Steele described Stein's conduct as a betrayal of his students. He said he felt so strongly about the case that he would try it himself.

"This is no example to set for kids," Steele said. "They need to see what happens to those who go down this track."

Stein's attorney, William Honig, did not return calls for comment. Stein, arrested Sept. 8, has posted $150,000 bail, authorities said.

He could not be reached for comment Wednesday at his duplex on Summerdale Avenue. Stein, 34, resigned Tuesday.

The criminal complaint against him describes a fairly straightforward bust.

Police began by reaching out to a source known only by his first name, Paul. A Cheltenham officer contacted him Aug. 10 and arranged to buy $100 worth of marijuana. Paul set the meeting place at Conklin Pool on Church Road.

Stein arrived in his 2007 Subaru Legacy, police said, which they used to trace his identity. According to the complaint, he then exchanged a bag of marijuana, concealed in a "small Christmas bag," for the $100.

The officer made a second $100 purchase Sept. 3, and then arranged to buy a pound of marijuana for $1,500 on Sept. 8. The final exchange took place within 100 feet of Cheltenham High School, the complaint said.

After Stein's arrest, police said, they found a loaded 9mm revolver stuffed in his waistband.

When officers searched his Rhawnhurst duplex, they found more marijuana, nearly $16,000 in cash, a bulletproof vest, and six guns, including an AR-15 rifle and a Mossberg shotgun.