Teachers trusted him to run their school. Police say he was selling them weight-loss drugs.

Former North Texas principal Gerardo Moreno Mendez faces criminal charges after selling prescription GLP-1 drugs to three staff members.

We trust school principals to guide our kids and support our teachers. But a Texas community is reeling after learning their leader was allegedly running a drug business inside school walls.

WHAT HAPPENED

Gerardo Moreno Mendez was the principal at Crowley Middle School. Police say that in January, he sold prescription weight-loss drugs to at least three teachers.

The drug was Tirzepatide. This is the active ingredient in popular brands like Zepbound and Mounjaro.

Mendez later took a new job at Godley Middle School. He resigned from that job after his arrest. His lawyer says Mendez turned himself in and is waiting for his day in court.

FACT BOX

*Suspect: Gerardo Moreno Mendez, former Texas middle school principal.

• The Charges: Delivery or offer of delivery of a dangerous drug.
• The Drug: Tirzepatide, sold under names like Zepbound and Mounjaro.
• The Buyers: At least 3 school staff members in January.
• Current Status: Released on bond, scheduled for court next month.

WHY IT MATTERS

Weight-loss drugs like GLP-1s are incredibly popular right now. But they require a doctor's prescription for a reason. Selling them without a license is a crime.

This case also shows how desperate people are to get these drugs. When teachers buy them from their boss, it creates a strange and risky workplace.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Mendez is no longer working for either school district. He is free on bond right now.

He will appear in court next month to face the charges. His lawyer hopes the district attorney will review the case carefully.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. How did Mendez get his hands on extra prescription drugs to sell?
2. Did any of the teachers face discipline for buying the drugs?
3. What did the school district's own probe find before they briefly reinstated him?