Trust Was Broken. Now Accountability Is Due.
Mugshot of Kenya White: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (Booking Photo). Background image of Chattanooga Preparatory School from Homes.com.
Teachers are meant to be trusted mentors who guide and support the students in their care.
But when that trust is violated, the impact on students, families, and communities can be profound. The case of Kenya White—a former teacher now facing both federal and state charges related to the enticement and exploitation of minors—has not only devastated those directly harmed but also exposed serious failures in school hiring practices and accountability.
Details of the Case
Kenya White, who taught at Chattanooga Preparatory School (Chatt Prep) and East Lake Academy, was arrested in February 2025 following a state investigation.
The investigation began in February 2023 after a report of inappropriate communication was made to authorities. Chattanooga Police Department’s Special Victims Unit and the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) jointly conducted the investigation. After reviewing digital evidence, a grand jury indicted White on February 10, 2025, leading to his arrest.
A federal investigation later revealed that White had used Snapchat and text messages to send sexually explicit messages and solicit images from two minors: a 12-year-old student at East Lake Academy, and a 14-year-old student at Chatt Prep.
On May 1, 2025, White signed a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, agreeing to plead guilty to one charge of enticement of a minor under 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b). While only a single charge was filed, the agreement incorporates both victims as relevant conduct, which will be considered at sentencing. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, with a maximum of life in prison. White also agreed to:
- Register as a sex offender
- Potentially pay restitution to the victims
- Not appeal his sentence if the judge gives him a punishment within the expected range
- Accept responsibility for his actions, which may reduce his offense level, and in turn, his sentence
He is scheduled to formally enter his plea in federal court on June 4, 2025.
Ongoing State Charges
White also faces 14 state charges in Hamilton County, Tennessee, including kidnapping, solicitation of a minor, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
He pleaded not guilty during a February 21, 2025 Hamilton County court appearance. A possible next state court date has been reported for July 16, 2025, though it has not been officially confirmed.
Institutional Failures at Chatt Prep
White had previously been put on leave from East Lake Academy in 2023 for sending inappropriate messages to a student. This was documented in his Hamilton County Schools personnel file.
Despite this, Chatt Prep hired White in 2024. Investigators later revealed that the school used an incorrect portal for background checks, bypassing the required Department of Children’s Services (DCS) screening. Furthermore, 21 of the school’s 45 teachers lacked valid state licensure at the time.
An internal email revealed that Chatt Prep administrators were made aware of prior misconduct allegations against White while he was employed at the school, raising further questions about the school’s failure to act on known risks.
Charter Placed on Probation
In response to the administrative failures uncovered at Chatt Prep, Hamilton County Schools initially began proceedings to revoke the school’s charter. However, after leadership changes and corrective actions were implemented, the district opted instead to place the school on probationary status. This allows Chatt Prep to continue operating while undergoing increased oversight to ensure compliance with teacher licensure, background checks, and academic standards.
Legal and Civil Liability
When schools ignore clear red flags and fail to properly vet staff, they may be held legally liable. Chatt Prep’s hiring of White, despite his prior misconduct, and its failure to perform required background checks may expose it to claims of negligence and failure to protect students from foreseeable harm.
Support for Survivors
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse by Kenya White—or by staff at Chattanooga Preparatory School, East Lake Academy, or any other school—please know you are not alone. Help is available. Speaking up is incredibly difficult, but it can be an important first step toward healing.
About Andreozzi + Foote
Andreozzi + Foote is a nationally recognized law firm dedicated to representing survivors of sexual abuse. Our attorneys have decades of experience holding educational institutions accountable for failing to protect those in their care.
We take a trauma-informed approach to every case—listening without judgment, explaining your legal options clearly, and supporting you at every step. Whether you’re ready to file a claim or simply need answers, our team is here to help you pursue justice on your own terms.
