Knoxville, Tennessee, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Chad A. Brooks, a former social studies teacher and football coach, has been indicted on multiple counts of sexual battery involving students aged 13 to 17. The indictment, issued by a grand jury, includes five counts of sexual battery by an authority figure. Brooks was previously on paid administrative leave amid an investigation into similar accusations and is now held in jail with a $75,000 bond. This case is part of a troubling trend of sexual misconduct involving school employees in Knoxville, raising concerns about student safety.
Knoxville, Tennessee – A former social studies teacher and football coach at West High School, Chad A. Brooks, 32, has been indicted on multiple sex crime charges involving students. A grand jury handed down the indictment on September 24, which consists of five counts of sexual battery by an authority figure. The accusations involve illegal contact with a victim between the ages of 13 and 17 occurring from December 2024 to January 2025. The additional charge pertains to an assault that occurred at an unspecified date between October 2024 and January 2025.
Brooks was arrested shortly after the indictment and is currently held in jail with a bond set at $75,000. Prior to this indictment, he had been on GPS monitoring after being initially placed on paid administrative leave in April 2025, pending an investigation into repugnant allegations. Knox County Schools (KCS) later determined not to renew his contract for the 2025-26 school year.
This is not the first instance of sexual misconduct associated with Brooks. In May 2025, he had already been indicted on charges of sexual battery by an authority figure and aggravated statutory rape concerning another victim. This pattern has raised alarming questions regarding the behavior of school employees at West High School.
In a separate development, another former assistant coach from West High School, Richard Shaver, was arrested on May 23, 2025, facing four counts of sexual battery as an authority figure. Shaver is accused of making sexual contact with a student aged between 13 and 18 and resigned just days before his arrest.
The cases against Brooks and Shaver reveal ongoing challenges related to employee conduct in schools, particularly regarding the safeguarding of students. These troubling allegations come against a broader backdrop of ongoing investigations into teacher behavior. Another case involves Shane Rewis, a former teacher at Heritage High School in Blount County who is facing serious charges, including continuous sexual abuse of a child and exploitation of a minor. Rewis had inappropriate communications with a student that were deemed explicit before he resigned in September 2024.
The concerning patterns highlighted by these cases have intensified scrutiny on current processes for vetting school employees and ensuring student safety against predatory behavior. The seriousness of the allegations prompts a broader discussion about protective measures in educational environments across the state.
Background Context
These incidents are part of a worrying trend of inappropriate interactions between school staff and students across various educational institutions, stressing the need for effective safeguards and comprehensive background checks during the hiring process of educational personnel. With increasing media attention surrounding the issue, community members and advocacy groups are calling for reforms to better protect children within educational facilities.
FAQ
What charges does Chad A. Brooks face?
Chad A. Brooks, 32, faces five counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, including allegations of illegal touching of a victim aged between 13 and 17, as well as an assault charge.
When was Brooks arrested?
Brooks was arrested following an indictment from a grand jury on September 24.
What was Brooks’s previous employment status before the charges?
He was placed on paid administrative leave in April 2025 pending an investigation and eventually had his contract not renewed for the 2025-26 school year.
Have there been any other cases of misconduct at West High School?
Yes, former assistant coach Richard Shaver was arrested on May 23, 2025, on four counts of sexual battery involving a student.
What is the broader context behind these incidents?
The cases highlight ongoing issues with inappropriate behavior by school employees towards students at West High School and other institutions, raising concerns about student safety and the vetting process for school employees.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Charges Against Chad A. Brooks | Five counts of sexual battery by an authority figure |
| Date of Indictment | September 24, 2025 |
| Victim Age Range | 13 to 17 years old |
| Previous Employment Status | Paid administrative leave; contract not renewed |
| Allegations Against Richard Shaver | Four counts of sexual battery by an authority figure |
| Concerns Raised | Student safety and vetting processes for school employees |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville Schools Implement Yondr System to Limit Phone Use
West High School Football Coach Removed Amid Investigation
West High School Football Coaching Staff Changes Amid Misconduct Investigation
Knox News Breaks Awards Record at SPJ Golden Press Card Awards
Knoxville Teacher Indicted on Multiple Counts of Aggravated Statutory Rape
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Former West High School Coach Indicted
- We Are Iowa: Former Teacher Charged with Kidnapping
- Knox News: West Football Coaches Accused
- Wikipedia: Sexual Abuse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
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