Volunteer coaches suspended amid

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Two volunteer coaches at an elementary school have been suspended amid a Loudon County Sheriff’s Office investigation into child exploitation and child pornography offenses. No charges have been filed at this time.

Investigators searched a Philadelphia home on January 9 after receiving a report of suspicious online activity linked to an IP address at the residence. Electronic devices seized during the search are now being examined according to LCSO.

At the time of the search, the individuals under investigation were volunteer coaches at Philadelphia Elementary School. They have since been suspended by the school district and banned from all Loudon County school properties. A sheriff’s office spokesperson said that there is no evidence at this time suggesting any students or local children have been victimized.

A Loudon County Schools spokesperson released the following statement on Thursday:

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.

The subjects of the search have not been identified since no charges have been filed.

The investigation remains ongoing. It’s findings will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office.