North Kansas City, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Dennis Hernandez, a former substitute teacher in North Kansas City, faces multiple charges related to child pornography, including production and possession. Parents are expressing disbelief and concern about his proximity to children during his time in the school district from 2021 to 2025. The community is now calling for increased screening measures for educational staff after disturbing findings emerged from an investigation prompted by reports to the FBI. Concerns about student safety and the need for enhanced hiring protocols are at the forefront of discussions among parents.
North Kansas City is reeling after Dennis Hernandez, a 28-year-old former teacher, was charged with multiple offenses related to child pornography, including transportation, production, attempted production, and possession. The announcement was made by the Department of Justice following a disturbing investigation that revealed Hernandez had admitted to recording minor boys in his care at local elementary schools.
Hernandez worked at a minimum of seven schools within the North Kansas City School District from 2021 to 2025, primarily as a substitute teacher. His tenure at these institutions saw him in close proximity to children, raising serious concerns among parents. Recently, he held a brief position as a first-grade teacher at Fairmount Elementary School in the Independence School District for just two days before his arrest.
Several parents have expressed disbelief and concern upon learning of Hernandez’s actions, particularly those who had previous interactions with him while he was a substitute teacher. For instance, parents Anthony Lordi and Marissa May noted that Hernandez was their son’s substitute teacher for two weeks. Lordi expressed relief that their son was not harmed but voiced his unease at Hernandez being so close to their child. Just after being hired, Hernandez awarded May’s son a ‘kindness award’ and later gifted him a $20 card during an outing at The Rush Funplex.
Another parent, Courtney Dukes, raised alarms about Hernandez’s behavior during her daughter’s summer program at Meadowbrook Elementary School, recalling how he would often wear a mask and avoid interactions with parents, behaviors that now seem much more concerning. Many parents are now calling for enhanced hiring protocols and more thorough background checks for educational staff to prevent such incidents in the future.
The North Kansas City School District stated that all employees are subjected to standard background checks, but given the current circumstances, parents are pressing for even more stringent measures to protect their children. Hernandez reportedly filmed clothed and partially nude videos of young boys in various school settings, including bathrooms and locker rooms. The investigation was prompted by 19 CyberTipline reports submitted to the FBI by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Hernandez’s arrest stemmed from a related online activity flagged to the FBI by Google, leading to a deeper investigation that uncovered multiple images of child sexual abuse material on his cell phone. Investigators noted that Hernandez had a history of working in positions that placed him in trust with children, such as camp counselor roles, which adds to the severity of the situation.
In light of Hernandez’s actions, the Independence School District has stated that there is currently no evidence linking their students to the charges. Nonetheless, they have acknowledged the disturbing nature of the case and reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring the safety of all students. Parents have raised additional concerns regarding how their children, particularly those with speech delays, might struggle to communicate should they ever encounter inappropriate behavior.
Hernandez’s charges arrive amidst growing scrutiny around staffing practices at educational institutions, a concern underscored by similar arrests that have occurred within the Independence School District earlier this year. As the community grapples with this unsettling news, many are demanding quicker and more robust security measures in schools to protect the vulnerable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has Dennis Hernandez faced?
Dennis Hernandez has been charged with transportation, production, attempted production, and possession of child pornography.
What was Hernandez’s role in the North Kansas City School District?
Hernandez served as a staff member at multiple schools and worked as a substitute teacher from 2021 to 2025.
What actions are parents taking in response to this situation?
Parents are advocating for more rigorous employee hiring processes and stronger security measures in schools to protect their children.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Charges | Multiple charges including transportation, production, and possession of child pornography. |
| Work History | Worked at seven North Kansas City Schools and a brief role at Fairmount Elementary. |
| Parental Concerns | Parents expressed fears for their children’s safety and called for improved background checks. |
| Evidence | Multiple images of child sexual abuse material found on Hernandez’s device. |
| Community Reaction | Parents demanding stronger school security and vigilance to protect their children. |
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Additional Resources
- KSHB: Parents Feeling Unsettled After Kansas City Man Charged with Child Pornography
- KMBC: FBI Seeks Information on Kansas City Teacher Facing Child Porn Charges
- Kansas City Star: News on Child Pornography Charges
- Wikipedia: Child pornography
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child pornography
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
