North Kansas City, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Dennis Hernandez, a 28-year-old teacher from the Independence School District, has been charged with multiple child sex crimes, including the production and possession of child pornography. The investigation revealed he recorded videos of minor boys in school settings, leading to his arrest. The North Kansas City Schools district has responded with assurances of support for affected families and a commitment to student safety. The FBI is urging the public to assist in identifying additional potential victims.
North Kansas City – A 28-year-old teacher named Dennis Hernandez from the Independence School District is facing multiple charges of child sex crimes, including transportation and production of child pornography, as well as possession of child pornography. Federal prosecutors announced these charges on August 21 after a thorough investigation led to Hernandez’s arrest.
According to court documents, Hernandez was discovered to have numerous images and videos of child pornography on his cell phones. The investigation revealed that he produced one video inside a Gladstone elementary school and another video appeared to have been recorded in a school bathroom or similar location. Hernandez admitted to recording minor boys, aged between 6 and 8 years old, who were under his care at several local elementary schools and locker rooms over multiple years.
Currently, Hernandez is no longer employed by the North Kansas City Schools district, where he had served as a substitute teacher at various establishments, including Crestview, Fox Hill, Nashua, and the Early Education Center. The district confirmed that he also participated in summer school programs at Chapel Hill, Meadowbrook, and Oakwood Manor. In response to the serious allegations, the district has expressed its commitment to maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for all students.
The Independence School District shared its deep disturbance regarding the charges, emphasizing its primary focus on student safety. A letter was sent to families from the North Kansas City School District, condemning the actions of Hernandez and reassuring them that they would continue to provide updates on the situation as it unfolds.
The investigation began when the FBI received 19 CyberTipline reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning inappropriate internet activity related to Hernandez. Upon investigation, approximately 1,000 images of child sexual abuse material were uncovered on his cellphone. Hernandez was arrested at his home in Independence, where law enforcement officials stated that they plan to notify families if their children are identified as victims.
Currently, all identified victims from court records were male, aged between 6 and 8 years old. Families at Fairmount Elementary, where Hernandez was employed for only two days at the time of his arrest, have been informed about his administrative leave status following his abrupt departure. The North Kansas City Schools district has pledged to support affected students and families by providing counseling resources during this troubling time.
As authorities continue their investigation, the FBI is seeking public assistance in identifying additional potential victims. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Law enforcement believes there could be additional victims beyond those who have already been identified, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations against Hernandez.
Hernandez has reportedly denied making any physical contact with the children involved in the production of the child pornography. Further details regarding his case are being awaited as his situation continues to develop amid rising concerns for student safety across the districts involved.
FAQ
- What charges has Dennis Hernandez faced?
- Hernandez has been charged with transportation, production, and possession of child pornography.
- What did the investigation reveal about Hernandez’s activities?
- He was found to possess approximately 1,000 images of child pornography and was accused of producing videos involving minors in school settings.
- How old were the identified victims?
- The identified victims were all male and aged between 6 and 8 years old.
- What actions are being taken by school districts?
- The Independence School District and North Kansas City Schools have expressed their focus on student safety and are providing counseling resources for affected families.
- How can people assist in the investigation?
- The FBI is asking the public to contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI if they have information that could help identify further victims.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Giuffre Family Expresses Outrage Over Maxwell Testimony Release
Kansas Court Upholds Liquid Art Winery Development
Kansas City Man Charged with Promoting Child Pornography
Two Men Arrested for Child Molestation in Kansas City
Trial Date Set for Kansas City Mother Charged with Child Endangerment
Kansas City Man Charged with Rape and Sodomy of Minor
Verdict Delivered in Shocking Maryland Murder Case
Kansas City Man Charged with Disturbing Sex Crimes Against Minor
Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges
Kansas City Residents Indicted on Child Pornography Charges
Additional Resources
- KMBC: North Kansas City Schools Teacher Accused of Child Abuse Crimes
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Kansas City Star: Teacher Faces Charges
- Google Search: Child Sexual Abuse
- Spectrum News: Metro Teacher Faces Child Sex Crime Charges
- Google Scholar: Child Sexual Abuse Material
- KMBC: Kansas City Educator Charged with Sexual Trafficking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Pornography
- KSHB: Police Report Victims of Sexual Assault by Teacher
- Google News: Teacher Sexual Abuse
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.
