A Radford University assistant professor of criminal justice indicted March 8 on charges of possession of synthetic drugs and marijuana has been suspended from the classroom but remains on staff, a university spokesman said.

Taj Mahon-Haft, 34, a professor who teaches a seminar titled “War on Drugs,” was indicted on three counts of possession of a Schedule I controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana. Mahon-Haft turned himself in and was arrested March 11, Radford police have said.

On Monday, Mahon-Haft was “assigned to non classroom duties,” Radford University spokesman Joe Carpenter said.

Carpenter described the reassignment as akin to paid administrative leave. Mahon-Haft may continue with other professorial duties, such as research, the spokesman said.

Mahon-Haft was charged, through direct indictments, with possessing pentedrone, alpha-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone (alpha-PVP), 4-Fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) and marijuana. The Schedule I drugs are on Virginia’s list of regulated synthetic drugs, often marketed as “bath salts.”

After his arrest, Mahon-Haft was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond, according to his court file. His next court date is set for April 12.

Before his suspension from the classroom, Mahon-Haft was teaching three introduction to criminal justice courses and the “War on Drugs” seminar, according to university information.

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