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Chattanooga Prep teacher charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, kidnapping

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office / Kenya White, 32, was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means, solicitation of a minor and kidnapping.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office / Kenya White, 32, was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means, solicitation of a minor and kidnapping. Hamilton County Sheriff's Office / Kenya White, 32, was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means, solicitation of a minor and kidnapping.


Chattanooga police arrested a Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher on charges including sexual exploitation of a minor and kidnapping.

Kenya White, listed as a sixth grade guided reading teacher on Chattanooga Preparatory School’s staff directory, was indicted by a grand jury in Hamilton County on Monday. His bond was set at $140,000. He was arrested Wednesday and bonded out shortly after.

He faces 14 charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means, kidnapping and solicitation of a minor.

(READ MORE: Former Hamilton County teacher accused of aggravated statutory rape negotiating potential plea deal)

The alleged offenses occurred around Feb. 15, 2023, according to the indictment.

The victim of the alleged offenses, according to the indictment, was under the age of 13 at the time.

Sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means is a felony and is defined as intentionally displaying material that contains offensive sexual activity, either simulated or real, to a minor, by means of electronic communication. Solicitation of a minor and kidnapping are also felonies. Each of those three charges carry a penalty of three to 15 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000, according to law.justia.com.

Chattanooga Prep released a statement declining to speak to the facts of the criminal charges. A spokesperson for the school also declined to answer any questions regarding White’s employment.

White pleaded guilty in 2014 to a theft charge, according to court documents.

Contact Kailee Shores at kshores@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659.