UPDATE: Former Hamilton County Schools teacher Kenya White has been sentenced to nearly 19 years for federal child sex crimes charges.
During sentencing, White blamed alcohol for his actions.
The defense made seven objections prior to the sentencing on February 25. White's attorney, McCracken Poston, objected to various language in case documents.
White will serve 225 months, attend sex offender therapy, alcohol therapy, and mental health therapy.
He still faces additional state charges.
PREVIOUS STORY: Sentencing for a former Hamilton County teacher who pleaded guilty to federal child sex crime charges has been moved to 2026.
Court records show that Kenya White's sentencing date has been moved to February 25, 2026, following a motion that was filed by his attorney.
White was originally scheduled to be sentenced on October 22.
White also faces charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and solicitation of a minor from the state.
It's unclear when he will appear in a Hamilton County courtroom for those charges.
PREVIOUS STORY: A federal judge officially accepted the guilty plea of a former Hamilton County teacher who is charged with child sex crimes on Tuesday.
Court documents show Kenya White, a former teacher at Chattanooga Preparatory School and East Lake Academy, originally pleaded not guilty to charges of related to messaging underage students.
On June 24, White's attorneys filed a motion to change his plea to guilty, which was accepted by a federal judge on July 15.
White has been scheduled for sentencing on October 22.
He has been ordered to remain behind bars until his sentencing date.
White also faces state charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and solicitation of a minor.
He was scheduled to appear in Hamilton County Criminal Court on July 16; however, that hearing was rescheduled for November 7.
PREVIOUS STORY: A former Hamilton Co. Schools teacher has changed his plea agreement to a guilty plea on federal child sex crimes charges.
Attorneys for Kenya White, a teacher at Chattanooga Preparatory School and East Lake Academy, filed the motion on June 24 to change White's original plea of not guilty to federal charges related to messaging underage students inappropriately.
Court documents show two victims were involved, one student at East Lake Academy and one student at Chattanooga Preparatory School.
White will face sentencing on October 22 for his federal charges. He still faces state charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and solicitation of a minor.
White was arrested while employed at Chatt Prep in February. He was hired while under DCS investigation.
PREVIOUS STORY: The case involving Kenya White, a former Hamilton County teacher facing numerous child sex crimes charges, was back in a Hamilton County courtroom on May 8.
The former teacher at Chattanooga Preparatory School and East Lake Academy recently pleaded guilty to federal charges related to messaging underage students inappropriately.
He still faces state charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor and solicitation of a minor.
White's attorney and the judge discussed the next steps in his case.
"He'll have to enter a change of plea, and then there will be a sentencing date," said Judge Dunn.
White's next court date is July 16th.
PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga Preparatory School has made a statement following a former teacher's plea deal on child sex crimes that detailed his relations with two victims, one being a Chatt Prep student.
Troy Kemp, CEO of Prep Public Schools, says a student at Chatt Prep reported Kenya White's inappropriate actions to a faculty member only after hearing of his arrest on February 12, 2025.
Kemp says the school followed protocol and state law by informing the Department of Children's Services and the Chattanooga Police Department.
Kemp also explained why the school never chose to share that White was accused of committing the same crime at Chatt Prep that he did at East Lake Academy:
"Out of an abundance of concern for the student's anonymity, because there was no threat to other students, and because DCS and CPD were only beginning their investigations, Prep Public Schools did not share news of this secondary allegation. School leaders and counselors have been in contact with the student and his parents throughout this situation and ask for the media to respect the privacy of the student as well."
White pleaded guilty to federal charges of enticement of a minor. The mandatory minimum prison sentence is 10 years.
Court documents show two victims were involved, one student at East Lake Academy and one student at Chattanooga Preparatory School.
White was employed at Chatt Prep at the time of his arrest in February. He was hired while under DCS investigation, stemming from his misconduct at East Lake Academy.
White was one of several teachers at the school at the time without a valid teaching license.
During sentencing, White blamed alcohol for his actions.
The defense made seven objections prior to the sentencing on February 25. White's attorney, McCracken Poston, objected to various language in case documents.
White will serve 225 months, attend sex offender therapy, alcohol therapy, and mental health therapy.
He still faces additional state charges.
PREVIOUS STORY: Sentencing for a former Hamilton County teacher who pleaded guilty to federal child sex crime charges has been moved to 2026.
Court records show that Kenya White's sentencing date has been moved to February 25, 2026, following a motion that was filed by his attorney.
White was originally scheduled to be sentenced on October 22.
White also faces charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and solicitation of a minor from the state.
It's unclear when he will appear in a Hamilton County courtroom for those charges.
PREVIOUS STORY: A federal judge officially accepted the guilty plea of a former Hamilton County teacher who is charged with child sex crimes on Tuesday.
Court documents show Kenya White, a former teacher at Chattanooga Preparatory School and East Lake Academy, originally pleaded not guilty to charges of related to messaging underage students.
On June 24, White's attorneys filed a motion to change his plea to guilty, which was accepted by a federal judge on July 15.
White has been scheduled for sentencing on October 22.
He has been ordered to remain behind bars until his sentencing date.
White also faces state charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and solicitation of a minor.
He was scheduled to appear in Hamilton County Criminal Court on July 16; however, that hearing was rescheduled for November 7.
PREVIOUS STORY: A former Hamilton Co. Schools teacher has changed his plea agreement to a guilty plea on federal child sex crimes charges.
Attorneys for Kenya White, a teacher at Chattanooga Preparatory School and East Lake Academy, filed the motion on June 24 to change White's original plea of not guilty to federal charges related to messaging underage students inappropriately.
Court documents show two victims were involved, one student at East Lake Academy and one student at Chattanooga Preparatory School.
White will face sentencing on October 22 for his federal charges. He still faces state charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and solicitation of a minor.
White was arrested while employed at Chatt Prep in February. He was hired while under DCS investigation.
PREVIOUS STORY: The case involving Kenya White, a former Hamilton County teacher facing numerous child sex crimes charges, was back in a Hamilton County courtroom on May 8.
The former teacher at Chattanooga Preparatory School and East Lake Academy recently pleaded guilty to federal charges related to messaging underage students inappropriately.
He still faces state charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor and solicitation of a minor.
White's attorney and the judge discussed the next steps in his case.
"He'll have to enter a change of plea, and then there will be a sentencing date," said Judge Dunn.
White's next court date is July 16th.
PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga Preparatory School has made a statement following a former teacher's plea deal on child sex crimes that detailed his relations with two victims, one being a Chatt Prep student.
Troy Kemp, CEO of Prep Public Schools, says a student at Chatt Prep reported Kenya White's inappropriate actions to a faculty member only after hearing of his arrest on February 12, 2025.
Kemp says the school followed protocol and state law by informing the Department of Children's Services and the Chattanooga Police Department.
Kemp also explained why the school never chose to share that White was accused of committing the same crime at Chatt Prep that he did at East Lake Academy:
"Out of an abundance of concern for the student's anonymity, because there was no threat to other students, and because DCS and CPD were only beginning their investigations, Prep Public Schools did not share news of this secondary allegation. School leaders and counselors have been in contact with the student and his parents throughout this situation and ask for the media to respect the privacy of the student as well."
White pleaded guilty to federal charges of enticement of a minor. The mandatory minimum prison sentence is 10 years.
Court documents show two victims were involved, one student at East Lake Academy and one student at Chattanooga Preparatory School.
White was employed at Chatt Prep at the time of his arrest in February. He was hired while under DCS investigation, stemming from his misconduct at East Lake Academy.
White was one of several teachers at the school at the time without a valid teaching license.
Posted in Local News
Recent
Parkridge to be allowed to build freestanding emergency room in Cleveland
February 26th, 2026
Sheriff’s offices warn of impersonation scam targeting Tennessee residents
February 26th, 2026
UPDATE: Former Hamilton Co. teacher sentenced to nearly 19 years for federal child sex crimes
February 26th, 2026
Former American Idol contestant charged in wife’s death had Lee University connection
February 25th, 2026
US Senator Blackburn responds to report about American casualties in potential Iran strike
February 25th, 2026
Archive
2026
January
Cleveland man among two arrested after biker gang stabbing in TazewellTennessee sees fewer deadly crashes, Georgia sees more holiday traffic deaths2 women, 2 children found dead in Waverly home during welfare checkFormer TN Rep. Robin Smith seeks probation in federal mail fraud caseBradley County Commission meeting recapTDOT temporarily closing lanes along I-75 in Bradley, McMinn Counties"She admitted her mistakes": Former TN Rep. Robin Smith's pardon attorney fighting for presidential probationHundreds of DUI arrests in TN ended with no drugs or alcohol detected, TBI reportsBradley Co. Schools to begin training on weapons detection systems, aimed at enhancing campus safetyCleveland City Schools announces leadership transitions after 2026 school yearMulti-vehicle crash on I-75 South Tuesday afternoonAthens man receives one of the longest sentences in TN history in child sex abuse caseJenkins Deli to close after nearly 50 years in businessPolk County receives $500,000 Tennessee Historic Development Grant for courthouseGun found in student's car at McMinn Co. High; juvenile chargedCleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks delivers State of the City addressCleveland State announces Community First AwardsMotorcyclist killed in crash on Ooltewah Georgetown Rd. Sunday morningLake Winnie gets new operator; set to begin in 2026 seasonTennessee’s unemployment rate decreases in NovemberBradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland State presidential search advisory committee appointed; public forum set for WednesdaySmall plane crashes in Polk County TuesdayMcMinn Co. High School placed on temporary lockdown following "concerning comment" made by studentCleveland City School Board meeting recapHuman remains found in wooded area near EtowahTennessee Sandhill Crane Festival to celebrate 35th anniversary January 17-18Tennessee residents may soon vote to ban state property tax foreverGov. Lee proclaims January 19 as "Dolly Parton Day"United Airlines temporarily offering direct flights from Chattanooga to DenverBarn blaze leaves 9 animals dead in Bradley County ThursdayBradley County Mayor Gary Davis delivers annual State of the County addressNo injuries reported after crash on Paul Huff Parkway SaturdayPetroleum pipeline maintenance under Mouse Creek Road to cause delaysCharleston home a complete loss after fire Saturday afternoonTwo vehicle crash on I-75 S causes temporary road closure SundayBradley Medical Center and Erlanger to partner to expand pediatric emergency servicesOoltewah man arrested after auto burglary spree, HCSO saysDecember Tennessee revenues exceed budgeted amounts by $82.7 millionTennessee lawmakers push to expand school voucher program as demand surges past 50,000Bradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland man arrested after making threats to judge, criminal justice officialsYour to-do list ahead of the winter storm heading toward the TN ValleyOfficials urge residents to prepare now for unpredictable winter weather in TN ValleySPCA of Bradley County temporarily closing due to winter weatherBradley County EMS to begin carrying CYANOKITTennessee and Georgia declare state of emergenciesCleveland City Schools names Mike Chai as new Director of Student ServicesSheriff Steve Lawson discusses updates and future needs of BCSO ThursdayMan wanted for attempted murder in Athens stabbing considered dangerousCleveland City Schools and CPD launch BusPatrol ProgramBradley County government offices closed MondayTDOT crews help drivers across the stateMcMinn Co. deputy praised for heroic response to deadly crash after pursuit of stolen vehicleCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland's Long Range Transportation Plan draft focuses on congestion, safetyApartment catches fire Sunday in ClevelandVolunteers needed for Barbara's Market in ClevelandTBI activates hotline to support welfare checks after winter stormBlood Assurance offers $40 eGift Cards to donorsLee University, City of Cleveland partner to celebrate Sousa’s Musical LegacyFormer Hamilton Co. teacher sentenced to 60 years following conviction of child sexual abuseCleveland firefighters quickly extinguish basement fire Wednesday nightKnox County man charged with first-degree murder after body found in Ten MileBCSO to host blood drive with Blood Assurance on Feb. 9Cleveland PD Chief Mark Gibson delivers 2026 New Year's MessageUnemployment rates below 5% in nearly every Tennessee countyGov. Lee requests expedited disaster declaration for 23 counties
February
Cleveland community mourns death of Bradley Central student athleteBradley County government offices closed MondayCleveland firm laying off 100 employees starting April 1'Infrastructure challenges' blamed for failing health inspection score at Benton ElementaryGov. Lee delivers 2026 State of the State Address: “Tennessee: The Original Frontier”Tennessee lawmakers, DA look to ensure death penalty as option for child rape"It's disappointing": Cigna Healthcare says CommonSpirit sought price increases, rejected current contract amid failed negotiationBCSO to host blood drive with Blood Assurance on Feb. 9TDCI and Tennessee AG issue joint statement about Winter Storm FernCleveland City Schools AI bus cameras already catch drivers illegally passingTennessee reaches nearly $18M settlement with drug companies over alleged price gougingHow many arrestees were turned over to ICE? New Tennessee report breaks it down by countyVolkswagen, UAW reach contract agreementBradley County Fire and Rescue responded to 2 structure fires Wednesday morningUPDATE: Manhunt continues for suspect in attempted murder after known 'associate' chased through Bradley, Polk Counties8 students charged after brawl at Cleveland High SchoolCleveland man arrested after armed domestic dispute, standoffEx-NFL player charged with girlfriend's murder; victim identified2026 Winter Job Fair to take place Feb. 13UPDATE: Missing Athens, TN woman found safeBradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland City Council meeting recapBradley County School Board meeting recapUTC students react to new safety app after 2025 false shooter scareFormer Tennessee private school principal has child sex charges reduced, learns sentenceTellico Plains police officer indicted in statutory rape investigation, TBI saysNew Tennessee bill further protects places of worshipCHS receives $10,000 grant to enhance Tango Flight ProgramBradley County Sheriff's Office warns of local scamAllegiant Air begins nonstop route from CHA to Fort LauderdaleLee University names Johnson Director of Community and Church Relations