A teacher at Mace’s Lane Middle School in Cambridge has been suspended after publication of a science fiction novel about of a school shooting in the far distant future.
The Dorchester County Sheriff’s office says a K-9 search of Patrick McLaw's home was carried out in Wicomico County.
Sheriff James Phillips said no weapons were found.
He said that McLaw is no longer in the area but is currently at a location known by law enforcement and does not have the ability to travel anywhere.
Authorities also say the 23 year old teacher was taken in for an emergency medical evaluation.
No charges have been filed nor was McLaw under arrest.
Mental Health Issues
Wicomico County State's Attorney Matt Maciarello told The Star Democrat that there were concerns about a letter McLaw wrote that led officials to seek the emergency evaluations of the language arts teacher.
Maciarello described the four page letter as a resignation and farewell letter.
The State's Attorney said that McLaw did not draw the attention of authorities because of two science fiction books which were self-published in 2011 and 2013.
Meanwhile, McLaw's attorney David Moore, told the Los Angeles Times that his client was "receiving treatment" for health issues. However, the attorney would not provide any additional information due to medical privacy issues.
School District
Dorchester School Superintendent Dr. Henry Wagner said that McLaw is on a leave of absence.
In addition, he said that all appropriate background checks had been done before McLaw was hired.
He also said that Cambridge Police have provided an additional presence at the middle school.
Books
The book entitled “The Insurrectionist” under the pseudonym of Dr. K. S. Voltaer is about a school shooting that is set 900 years into the future.
The case has drawn interest from Kindle readers, many of whom, have bought the book in support of the teacher's right to free speech.
McLaw is also the author of its sequel "Lillith's Heir."
