Anthony Giancola's downward sprial | News

Lealman, Florida - February 2007 started Anthony Giancola's downward spiral arrested at Van Buren Middle School in Tampa for buying a 20 dollar crack rock.

Giancola was the principal at Van Buren, but had been going through personal issues. He wanted emotional relief, and unknowingly asked an undercover cop to bring crack to his school office.

The officer obliged. Undercover video of how it went down supported the charges.

When Giancola couldn't smoke it in his office, he escorted the cop out into the lobby where other officers were posing as parents. They arrested him on the spot.

Giancola appeared in court and the very next day resigned from his position as principal. It wasn't the last trouble he would face.

Just 3 years later, Giancola was arrested again in Pinellas County. 

A deputy discovered him sitting in his car at 3 a.m. outside an area of a closed business. The deputy saw a butcher knife under Giancola's feet. Giancola was arrested for violating his 2007 probation and for loitering and prowling.

Then came today's violent and brutal crime. A sad ending for a man who, prior to his 2007 arrest, was well-respected, well-liked, and described as "outstanding" in his field.

Related stories:

10 News has done several stories in the past on Giancola:

• 6/22/2012- Giancola arrested, stabbing victims' identities released
• 6/22/2012- Police: 2 dead another injured in stabbing 
• 6/22/2012- Several hurt in Lealman hit and run crashes
• 2/22/07 - Principal apologizes after arrest
• 2/23/07 - Principal arrested on drug charges
• 2/23/07 - Letter sent home to parents about principal's arrest
• 5/16/07 - Principal negotiates plea deal
• 6/12/07 - Principal pleads guilty
• 7/2/07 - Surveillance video shows drug bust

You May Also Like...

PHOTOS: George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin crime scene pics

Bikini Photos: 2012 Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant

Unhappy Meal: Woman attacked in McDonald's drive-thru

"Weird Religious Ritual": Teacher tells students to cut, burn themselves

South Beach Cannibal: Homeless man's face chewed off

RIP Tubby Kitty: Famed 39-pound fat cat dies

Cheerleader sex: Former Ben-Gal pleads not guilty to sex with teen

Bad girls: Teen girls arrested in slaying death of cabbie

Photos: Ex-Charlie Sheen Goddess Bree Olson

Penny for your Thoughts? 120k pennies make up billboard

Naughty Schoolgirls: Naughty schoolgirl night at Tampa club pictures

Sting: 31 pimps and prostitutes arrested (with pics)

Outrageous mug shot galleries...

Strange: Most notorious or unusual mug shots we've seen

Teachers:Teacher arrest mugshots

Jaw droppers:Open mouth mug shots

Smilers: Happy mug shots

Laughers: What's so funny mug shots

Prostitutes: Prostitute mug shots

Athletes: Professional athlete mug shots 

Porn arrests: Child porn arrest mug shots 

Local Mugs: Hillsborough County Mug shots

More unusual mug shots and galleries: 10 News slideshows and galleries