E. Aurora teacher has charges dismissed

EAST AURORA, N.Y. (WIVB) - A teacher with a troubled past who was arrested on charges of possessing crack cocaine has had all charges against him dismissed.

Ryan Ellis, 36, is an East Aurora science and technology teacher. Ellis was stopped at Goodyear and East Ferry in Buffalo in early December for a traffic violation and police say they found crack cocaine in his vehicle.

Ellis has been on a leave of absence from teaching since the charges were filed. On Thursday, all charges against him were dismissed after a judge ruled Ellis had been subject of an illegal search.

In August of 2009, Ellis was charged with DWI and petit larceny in Tonawanda and in January of 2001, he pleaded guilty to bringing the drug "ecstasy" to a party where a person fatally overdosed on the drug.

It is unclear if he will be allowed to return to his job at the East Aurora School District.

STATEMENT FROM DISTRICT: "The district will pursue whatever actions it deems appropriate under the circumstances.   Any action taken by the district concerning its employees is separate from any criminal process, as it expects its employees, especially its teachers, to act professionally at all times,  and as role models for its students." 

--Brian Russ
East Aurora School Superintendent