PHILADELPHIA, Tenn. (courtesy of WVLT) – Two volunteer coaches at Philadelphia Elementary School are now under investigation after the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant.
Cody Bengel with LCSO released a statement Thursday afternoon explaining what happened.
According to the statement, investigators with the Criminal Investigations Division searched a home on Jan. 9 after getting a tip about child exploitation and child pornography through the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
At the home, the statement said, investigators took several electronic devices, which are now being looked at. While no one has been charged, the statement did say that, should investigators find anything suspect on the devices, they’ll share it with the district attorney’s office.
While the two suspects were coaching at the school, the sheriff’s office does not believe the victims went to Philadelphia Elementary.
“We understand the concern and distress this investigation may cause, particularly for parents of children who may have had contact with the suspects,” LCSO said. “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any children from Philadelphia Elementary or other local children have been victimized.”
The office added that investigators had already spoken with the parents of the kids the coaches taught.
Loudon County Schools’ Jennifer Malone, who handle’s media communications, provided a statement on the investigation:
On Thursday, January 9, 2025, Loudon County Schools was notified by the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office of an ongoing investigation into two school system volunteer coaches (not staff members) at Philadelphia Elementary School. That same afternoon, Loudon County Schools placed both individuals on suspension. Because this situation involves an ongoing criminal investigation, the school system would refer all other specific questions or inquiries to the Loudon County Sheriff’s Department.
Although Loudon County Schools cannot and will not comment on this ongoing criminal investigation, we do want to remind students, parents, and community members that all school system employees and coaches undergo full background checks before being allowed to work with our students and athletes. Loudon County Schools consider student safety our top priority; therefore, we will always take steps to properly vet the employees and coaches who are asked to work with our children.Loudon County Schools
Philadelphia, Tennessee (LCSO Facebook) – The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office is steadfast in its commitment to protecting all children in our community, across the nation, and around the world. We understand that this type of information is difficult to process, but it is necessary to share as it involves individuals associated with our school system.
The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division executed a search warrant on Thursday, January 9, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation into child exploitation and child pornography offenses. The search occurred at a residence in Philadelphia, Tennessee, following a tip received through the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The investigation began after LCSO detectives received a report of suspicious online activity linked to an IP address at the residence. Following a thorough review of the information, detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant to seize electronic devices that could contain evidence relevant to the case.
During the search, investigators seized multiple electronic devices, which are now being examined. The LCSO Criminal Investigations Division is working closely with the 9th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office to review the evidence and determine whether criminal activity occurred. Once this process is complete, findings will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office, and if warranted, indictments will be sought through a Loudon County Grand Jury.
The suspects under investigation were, at the time of the search, volunteer coaches at Philadelphia Elementary School. Given the serious nature of the allegations, the Loudon County Schools Superintendent’s Office has taken immediate action to suspend the suspects from their coaching positions and ban them from all Loudon County school properties. This decision prioritizes the safety and well-being of students.
We understand the concern and distress this investigation may cause, particularly for parents of children who may have had contact with the suspects. Before sharing this information publicly, Loudon County Sheriff Jimmy Davis, LCSO detectives, the Loudon County Schools Superintendent’s Office, and the administration of Philadelphia Elementary School met with the parents of children coached by the suspects. Parents were informed about the ongoing investigation and the steps being taken to safeguard their children. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any children from Philadelphia Elementary or other local children have been victimized.
The LCSO is not attempting to shield the suspects’ identities but is withholding details to maintain the integrity of the investigation and legal process. As of now, the suspects have not been charged with any criminal offenses. Should charges be filed, the LCSO will release additional information, including the suspects’ identities.
The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office remains fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation and taking all necessary actions to protect the community. We recognize the impact this case may have on families and are committed to transparency as the investigation progresses. We ask the public to remain patient as detectives continue their work.
The safety of our children is our highest priority, and we are dedicated to ensuring that no child in our community—or anywhere—is harmed. Anyone with information relevant to this case is encouraged to contact the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office at 865-986-4823 or submit tips anonymously via the LCSO app.
