A local elementary school teacher is facing serious federal charges after an FBI investigation uncovered child porn activity linked to his online accounts.

Dennis Hernandez, 28, was arrested at his Independence, Missouri home on Wednesday. According to the Department of Justice, he is now charged with the transportation, production, attempted production, and possession of child pornography.

The investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tipped off authorities about an account uploading illegal content. That led the FBI to Hernandez and the execution of a search warrant that same day.

​Court documents reveal that some of the images and videos discovered may have been recorded in school bathrooms. Hernandez allegedly admitted to filming at least one of the videos inside a school building.

He had worked in both the Independence School District and the North Kansas City School District. In NKC Schools, he served as a substitute and support staff member at Crestview, Fox Hill, Nashua, and the Early Education Center. He also participated in summer school programs at Chapel Hill, Meadowbrook, and Oakwood Manor.

Officials with NKC Schools confirmed Hernandez is not currently employed with the district.

Hernandez could face up to 70 years in federal prison if convicted on all counts.
The transportation charge alone carries a sentence of 5 to 20 years. Production or attempted production could bring 15 to 30 years, and possession could add up to 20 more. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday to face the charges.

District Responds to Arrest

The Independence School District responded to the charges with a strong statement condemning Hernandez’s alleged actions.
“The Independence School District is deeply disturbed by the charges filed today by the Office of the U.S. Attorney,” the statement read. “Crimes of this nature are abhorrent and stand in direct opposition to everything we value as a district.”
District leaders emphasized that the safety and well-being of students is their top priority.

Ongoing Investigation and Call for Tips

The FBI believes there may be more victims and is urging anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Dunning is prosecuting the case, and the investigation remains active. For Kansas City parents, educators, and residents, the arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, raising urgent concerns about student safety and trust in local schools.

​This could reshape Missouri’s congressional map.

At IBEW Local 124 on the city’s east side, locals gathered for an emergency meeting after reports surfaced that state lawmakers—backed by Republican leadership—are considering a special session to redraw district lines before the 2026 midterms.
The move mirrors what’s already going down in Texas, where GOP leaders just approved a new map to benefit their party—and folks here are saying, “Not in Missouri.”

Beverly Harvey, with Indivisible KC, said she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “It’s like our leaders are just saying yes to whatever Trump wants, and that’s not what we voted for,” she said.

But he hasn’t ruled it out either. On Tuesday, he said, “We’re watching what Texas is doing… The goal is to make sure Missouri’s values are represented in Washington.”

But many Kansas Citians believe this isn’t about “values”—it’s about power.
That’s why groups like Stand Up KC, Missouri Workers Center, and Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action helped pull this last-minute meeting together. They urged attendees to contact Kehoe, Senate Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, and House Speaker Jon Patterson, and show up at upcoming rallies.

“Ain’t nobody gonna fight for our voice if we don’t,” said Pastor Rodney Williams of Swope Parkway United Christian Church. “We gotta use our vote, our voice, and our feet if we want to keep our freedom.”
Two big rallies are already scheduled:

• Monday, Sept. 1 at noon at Mill Creek Park
• Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Missouri State Capitol

​
For many in KC, this isn’t just politics—it’s personal. They’re ready to organize, protest, and protect their right to fair representation.

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