Crime & Safety
Cowlitz County, WA School Guard Accused of Giving Students Vapes
Toutle, WA – A 47 year old school security guard in southwest Washington has been arrested following allegations that she allowed students to use nicotine vapes inside her office, threatened students
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-11-06T10:08:12.428Z
Toutle, WA – A 47 year old school security guard in southwest Washington has been arrested following allegations that she allowed students to use nicotine vapes inside her office, threatened students who might report her and improperly accessed confidential student information.
According to the Cowlitz County Sheriff 's Office, Ashlynn Smith, 47, of Ridgefield, was arrested Thursday, Nov. 5, following an investigation involving Toutle Lake Schools in Cowlitz County, north of the Portland metropolitan area.
Parent Complaint Sparks Investigation The investigation began Oct. 24 after a concerned parent reported that a school security guard was allegedly supplying vaping products to students and vaping with them.
Detectives interviewed students and parents, reviewed phone and text message records, and worked with school district officials.
Investigators allege Smith confiscated a vaping device from a student, kept it in her office and subsequently allowed several students to use nicotine vapes there over time.
Alleged Threats and Unauthorized Access As rumors spread, authorities allege Smith warned students they could face consequences if they reported her conduct.
Investigators also claim she instructed students to lie to school administrators and asked one student to send an email denying her involvement.
The sheriff's office further alleges Smith accessed the school's Skyward student information system without authorization to obtain personal and family information about students involved in the investigation.
Authorities believe the information was used in an attempt to intimidate students or interfere with reporting.
Security Guard Faces 12 Charges Smith was booked into the Cowlitz County Jail on 12 counts, including two counts of intimidating a witness, three counts of witness tampering, two counts of electronic data theft and five counts of selling or giving tobacco to a minor.
The sheriff's office has not announced additional arrests.
All charges remain allegations, and Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.