WESTPORT — A therapist and former leader of a peer advisor program at Staples High School has been charged with possession of illegal narcotics.

Michael Newman, 66, who was charged in May with third-degree possession of child pornography and related counts, this week was arrested on two counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of narcotics, police said.

Newman also had a private drug-treatment practice in town.

The drug charges stem from a police investigation at Newman’s office in May following issuance of a search warrant. At that time, police said they found prescription medication that allegedly had not been prescribed for Newman, as well as a substance believed to be cocaine that was in plain view, according to the report. 

Based on evidence assembled by the police detective investigating the case, a warrant for Newman’s arrest was prepared and signed by a Superior Court judge.

He surrendered last Monday at police headquarters. He was released after posting $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear on the drug charges Aug. 24 at Superior Court in Stamford.

Newman previously was an advisor for the Staples Peer Advisor Program, which he formed in 1995, according to a report in “Inklings,” the high school newspaper. The program was designed to train students to help others their age cope with personal issues, including substance abuse.

In May, Newman was charged with obscenity, third-degree possession of child pornography and promoting a minor in an obscene performance after an investigation that began when police detectives received information that a town resident was downloading images of child pornography.