Nassau County Police arrested Pless Dickerson, principal of Westbury High School, last Wednesday on charges of alleged possession of crack cocaine.

According to police, Dickerson was arrested after a confidential source notified them that the 54-year-old Westbury resident had purchased drugs. When they stopped Dickerson, police found a bag of crack cocaine on the front seat of his BMW sports utility vehicle and another on the floor.

Police report that the amount found in Dickerson's car equaled approximately a half gram of the narcotic at an estimated street value of between $600 and $1,000, depending on the grade.

Dickerson is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance - 6th degree. During his arraignment in First District Court in Hempstead on April 17, Dickerson pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony punishable by three to seven years in prison. He was released without bail.

Dickerson, a 1978 graduate of C.W. Post College, began working in the Westbury School District 28 years ago and was appointed principal of the high school 18 years ago.

In response to Dickerson's arrest, Superintendent of Westbury Schools Dr. Constance Clark said, "The district is concerned by the news of the arrest of Dr. Pless Dickerson. As always, our highest priority is the safety and welfare of our students. The district is investigating the matter thoroughly and will continue to take all actions it deems appropriate."

Dr. Clark added, "I will be recommending that the board of education appoint Manuel Arias, the high school's current assistant principal, to serve as acting principal." Due to privacy considerations, the district was unable to provide further comment on Dickerson's arrest at press time.