Shotgun, pot planted in teacher's SUV

FULLERTON Police found a gun and marijuana in Fullerton teacher Gregory Abbott's car on the campus pf Sunny Hills High School. But they now think it was planted there. Abbot has been cleared and police are looking to talk to his estranged wife.

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At Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, the day after police cleared the name of one of its teachers Greg Abbott, students react.

"I'm really happy. I didn't believe anything that happened. It was kind of unbelievable, so I'm glad he's out and it's all cleared up and stuff," said student Sherry Yi.

The 31-year-old history teacher was arrested this week, when police following a tip, found an unloaded shotgun and drugs in his vehicle in the school parking lot.

Thursday police announced Abbott was no longer a suspect but a victim.

"The Fullerton Police Department is confident of no wrongdoing on the part of Mr. Abbott in this case, and in fact we believe him to be the victim of an elaborate setup," said Fullerton Police Sgt. Mike MacDonald.

"I was worried about going to jail and I didn't do this and so . . . you read things and see movies about people who haven't committed the crime and . . . it was the worst three days of my life," said Abbot.

Whomever may have planted the evidence in Abbott's vehicle, police say they're still investigating, but they want to talk with Abbott's estranged wife Devon and her male friend, whom police are not identifying, calling them persons of interest.

Greg Abbott filed for divorce last year. It's not yet finalized. They have a child.

"There were always rumors around school about him and his ex-wife," said student Kelley Kim. "Their relationship was kind of strained . . . not good."

Police are also taking a closer look at 911 calls made by an anonymous man who made allegations and urged police to investigate the high-school teacher.

Eyewitness News was not able to talk with Abbott's estranged wife Devon. Police have not made any further arrests. Greg Abbott, who has taught at Sunny Hills High for seven years, is just happy to be a free man, facing no charges.

 

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