A former Hamilton County teacher found guilty of routinely and systematically sexually assaulting young boys in the privacy of his classroom appeared for his sentencing Wednesday in Hamilton County Criminal Court.
Duane Sanders, 48, was found guilty in June of one count of aggravated rape of a child, seven counts of aggravated sexual battery and seven counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child. A Hamilton County jury deliberated for about 10 hours before returning the verdict.
Four additional charges were dismissed because the parents of two victims chose not to put their boys on the stand, according to Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp. She said in June that Sanders would serve prison time for sex crimes against seven 6- and 7-year-old male students.
Sanders was a first grade teacher at Wallace A. Smith Elementary School in Ooltewah, and Hamilton County Schools had recognized him as an HCS Hero in April 2021. He was beloved by students and many people in the community, according to trial witness statements.
He also worked with students before and after school in extracurricular leadership roles, including the school’s safety patrol and an after-school tutoring group.
Seven boys from different classes and years experienced abuse at the hands of Sanders. The accusations began to come in one after another, starting in March 2023.
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Public defender Eliza Williams represented Sanders during his trial, which began before Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman in May. There were inconsistent stories and contradictory details throughout the case, Williams said at the time, and the victims were asked leading questions and gave evasive answers.
The children reported having their genitals touched over or under clothes while sitting on his lap in his classroom, according to forensic interview footage played in court. One boy described Sanders performing oral sex on him.
This is a developing story. Stay with the Times Free Press for updates.
Contact breaking news reporter Mason Edwards at medwards@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6409.