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Appeals court ruling could end case against Ashland teacher By JONEL ALECCIA SALEM -- Evidence found in a 1997 drug raid at the home of a popular Ashland teacher was illegally seized, the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday. The state court upheld the decision of a Jackson County judge suppressing evidence in the long-suspended drug case involving Debra Blair, a third-grade teacher at Briscoe Elementary School, and her estranged husband, David Coleman. If the ruling stands, it would mark the end of the case that inspired passionate community support for Blair, widely lauded as a stellar teacher. Carl Caplan, Coleman's Medford lawyer, expressed relief at the court decision. "I'm just glad it happened," Caplan said. "Hopefully now everyone can just put this behind them. I'm glad for Debra. She wasn't my client, but she had the most to lose." Blair had continued to teach while the case worked its way through the courts. The appeals court decision upholds Judge Pat Crain's ruling that evidence seized Oct. 9, 1997, from the trunk of Coleman's car and from the couple's Nevada Street home was inadmissable. Police said Coleman was at a site where meth production had been reported; his clothing appeared to have chemical burns consistent with meth production; and officers found traces of meth in containers near Coleman's car. Crain said police did not have probable cause to search his car, and she threw out evidence seized, including meth-making chemicals and receipts for them signed by Coleman. She also threw out evidence, including meth-making equipment and recipes, seized from the home Blair and Coleman shared. After the raid, Blair was indicted on charges of manufacture, delivery and possession of methamphetamine and a charge of frequenting a place where controlled substances are used. She maintained her innocence and said she believed her estranged husband had the chemicals on hand for a hobby. Coleman was indicted on charges of manufacturing and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Five others also were indicted on drug charges in connection with the incident. Without the seized evidence, the state would be unable to proceed with its case, Jackson County District Attorney Mark Huddleston said in a statement. The Oregon Department of Justice will decide within several weeks whether to appeal Wednesday's decision to the Oregon Supreme Court. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA