Teacher's release spurs investigation

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda is launching an internal investigation into the case of East Aurora teacher Ryan Ellis.

Ellis, a teacher with a troubled past, was arrested last December on charges of possessing crack cocaine. On Thursday, all charges against him were dismissed after the Erie County District Attorney's Office found Ellis had been subject of an illegal search and the judge agreed, dismissing the charges.

DA Frank Sedita said, "You just cannot arbitrarily go up to somebody and begin to stop them, frisk them, search them and interrogate them. You can't do that."

Derenda says he will seek to determine if there was any wrongdoing by any Buffalo police officers.

It remains unclear if Ellis will retain his position as a science and technology teacher in the East Aurora School District.

Superintendent Brian Russ said, "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."