Kenya White Signs Plea Agreement
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A former Chattanooga teacher has pleaded guilty to federal charges after investigators say he tried to exploit two students, ages twelve and fourteen.
Federal prosecutors say the former East Lake Academy and Chattanooga Prep teacher used his position of trust to target two young students with inappropriate messages.
The investigation began in February 2023, when a Homeland Security Task Force Officer, also working with Chattanooga Police, responded to a report involving a twelve-year-old student.
The student told authorities about text messages from his thirty-year-old teacher, who allegedly tried to convince him to take and send sexually explicit photos.
Investigators seized the child’s phone and discovered dozens of disturbing messages.
They also found similar communication involving a second victim who was a fourteen-year-old student.
According to court documents, both students attended the school where the teacher worked.
Although no images were sent, federal law recognizes the attempted solicitation alone as a serious offense.
The teacher has pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to coerce and entice a minor using a phone, which is considered a serious offense that carries prison time, fines, restitution, and mandatory sex offender registration.
The judge will also weigh the broader scope of the teacher’s conduct at sentencing.
The former teacher remains subject to federal supervision until that hearing. We’ll continue to follow the case.
