New Bedford School Counselor Arrested for OUI, Child Endangerment

NEW BEDFORD — A School Adjustment Counselor at Winslow Elementary School in New Bedford was arrested last week on drunk driving and child endangerment charges.

Police confirmed that Marcia Almeida, 43, of Query Street was arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 4:30 p.m. after she was involved in a three-car crash on Tarkiln Hill Road at Plympton Street.

According to the police report, Almeida allegedly rear-ended another vehicle.

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The arresting officer alleged in the report that she had slurred speech and glassy eyes, with a slight odor of alcohol, and had difficulty following instructions.

A child was in the back seat of the car at the time, according to the police report. The child will not be identified.

The report alleges that Almeida admitted to the officer to consuming alcohol earlier that day.

Winslow School had let out early for the winter break at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 22.

WBSM News received a tip that a Winslow School employee had been arrested for drunk driving at that time and place.

Marcia Almeida is listed as a School Adjustment Counselor on the Winslow School's website.

She is also listed elsewhere online — with the same middle initial as in the court documents — as drawing a New Bedford Public Schools salary.

Arthur Motta, spokesperson for New Bedford Public Schools, called it a "personnel matter" and stated that it "is being taken very seriously."

He added that the incident is currently under investigation.

Almeida was arraigned on Dec. 23 and is due back in court on Jan. 25.

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