Chattanooga Former Teacher Arrested on Serious Charges

News Summary

Chattanooga is in shock after former teacher Kennya White was arrested on federal charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor. This arrest follows a lengthy two-year investigation by local authorities. White faces possible life imprisonment if convicted, and the case has raised serious concerns about hiring practices at Chattanooga Preparatory School where he was employed, despite a history of past allegations. The fallout from this incident could lead to significant changes in school safety policies and oversight in the region.

Breaking News from Chattanooga: Former Teacher Faces Serious Charges

Chattanooga is currently reeling from the shocking news involving a former teacher at the Chattanooga Preparatory School, 32-year-old Kennya White. He has been arrested on serious federal charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor and enticement of a minor. These allegations are both alarming and distressing, raising many questions about how the situation was allowed to escalate.

A Long Investigation Comes to a Head

This case has a backstory that’s been unfolding since 2023, when the Chattanooga Police Department and the Department of Children Services kicked off a two-year investigation into White’s behavior. After months of inquiries, he was arrested on February 13, 2025. The arrest has raised eyebrows not only because of the nature of the charges but also due to the unsettling details surrounding his employment history.

What Happens Next?

White is facing incredibly serious prospects. If convicted, he could be looking at a hefty sentence of 15 to 30 years for one charge and up to life in prison for the other. His federal charges are set to be presented to a Federal Grand Jury soon, with a hearing scheduled for March 11, 2025. U.S. Magistrate Chris Seger indicated that an indictment might bypass the preliminary hearing altogether, transitioning straight into the trial phase.

Past Allegations and Employment Practices

Prior to these federal charges, White had already faced several allegations in state court, which included accusations of sexual exploitation of a minor. Shockingly, Chattanooga Preparatory School was aware of a disciplinary hold on White’s record during the hiring process, yet they still chose to employ him. He had previously been dismissed from East Lake Academy after an investigation surfaced concerning inappropriate communications with a student. Even more concerning is that while applying for his position at Chattanooga Prep, his personnel file shows he failed to disclose the reasons for his dismissal.

Neglected Background Checks?

What’s alarming is that Chattanooga Preparatory School did not utilize a Department of Children’s Services background check system, a legal requirement for charter schools in Tennessee. This oversight has raised questions among parents and community members about the school’s hiring practices and commitment to ensuring safety for its students.

Consequences for the School

In light of these troubling revelations, there have already been repercussions within the administrative staff at Chattanooga Preparatory School. The principal, Diamond Kelley, has been placed on administrative leave, while HR Coordinator Dr. Angelnetta Ulmer has opted for early retirement. The administrative changes clearly indicate the school’s need to reassess not just their policies but also their overall approach to student safety.

More Questions Than Answers

As investigations continue, law enforcement officials are actively seeking out any additional potential victims who may have been affected by White’s alleged actions. It remains unclear if the federal charges pertain to the same victim involved in the state charges or if there are multiple victims within this unsettling case.

Upholding the Principle of Innocence

While the gravity of the allegations stands, White’s attorney has emphasized the principle of innocence until proven guilty, questioning the politicization surrounding the case. As Chattanooga watches this story unfold, many are left wondering how such grave charges could involve a person entrusted with the education and safety of children.

As the courtroom proceedings get closer, many community members are anticipating further developments in this case. The fallout from White’s allegations could influence more than just his future—it’s likely to impact the procedures and oversight at educational institutions across the region as well.

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Additional Resources

• Local 3 News
• News Channel 9
• Times Free Press
• WBIR
• WDEF
• Wikipedia: Sexual exploitation of children
• Google Search: Chattanooga Preparatory School
• Google Scholar: Child sexual exploitation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child abuse
• Google News: Chattanooga school news