Allegations of Child Sex Crimes Rock Knox County Schools

Knoxville, TN – Allegations of Child Sex Crimes Rock Knox County Schools

Knox County Schools is under scrutiny following the arrest of two former coaches accused of serious child sex crimes. These developments have alarmed community members, comprising around 1,500 students, staff, and families.

Richard Shaver, a former assistant coach at West High School, was arrested on May 23 for allegedly making sexual contact with a student aged between 13 and 18. He faces four counts of sexual battery as an authority figure and notably resigned just days before his arrest on May 16.

Chad Brooks, a football coach and social studies teacher at the same institution, was indicted earlier this month on multiple counts of aggravated statutory rape. He was placed on administrative leave with pay on April 3, preceding his indictment. Furthermore, his contract for the 2025-2026 school year will not be renewed.

The allegations have prompted Superintendent Jon Rysewyk to address the concerns of parents and community members, expressing his dismay over the situation. He has emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough investigation to get to the facts, rather than relying on hearsay.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the school district is actively cooperating with law enforcement while conducting its own inquiry into the matter. Additionally, West High School’s head football coach, Lamar Brown, is currently on administrative leave, although the specific reasons for this leave have not been disclosed.

It is important to note that due to the ongoing investigation, detailed personnel specifics cannot be shared publicly. This lack of information has intensified community scrutiny and discussion surrounding the administration, particularly concerning Principal Ashley Speas, who has had a strong track record of leadership.

Despite the unsettling circumstances, Rysewyk reassured the community that their focus will remain on student welfare. He asserted that the school community intends to move forward and not be defined by these allegations. The situation has raised a vital conversation about student safety and the role of authority figures in educational environments.

This alarming incident sheds light on broader issues within educational institutions related to child safety, trust, and the need for vigilant community and administrative oversight. As investigations proceed, the Knox County Schools community remains on alert, hoping for resolution and preventive measures to protect students in the future.