FBI opens tips webpage in case of Independence teacher charged with child sex crimes
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has created a “seeking information” webpage for those who may have information regarding an Independence teacher who was charged with three federal offenses on Thursday related to child sexual abuse materials.
Dennis Adlai Hernandez, 28, is charged with one count each of transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
At the time of his arrest, Hernandez was a first grade teacher at Fairmount Elementary School in the Independence School District. Hernandez is the third employee at the Independence School District under criminal investigation in 2025.
He previously taught in the North Kansas City school district at three elementary schools — Crestview, Fox Hill and Nashua — as well as the district’s Early Education Center and summer child care programs.
Hernandez was arrested at his Independence home on Thursday after the FBI received 19 CyberTipline reports about Hernandez’s internet activity from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on August 19, according to charging documents.
Around one thousand images of child sexual abuse material were found on Hernandez’s cellphone, some of which were taken as still images from internet videos and some were allegedly filmed by Hernandez.
In an interview with an FBI investigator, Hernandez allegedly said he recorded children, primarily boys, who were in his class at several elementary schools and elementary school sites over the last several years.
Hernandez allegedly filmed both clothed and partially nude videos of boys in educational settings including a school bathroom, locker room and bus, according to charging documents. At least one video was produced in Gladstone, Missouri, and at least 18 children were featured in child sexual abuse material produced by Hernandez himself.
Hernandez denied making physical contact with any children he allegedly coerced into the production of child pornography.
The man had worked for the Independence School District for two days at the time of his arrest, district spokesperson Megan Dillard previously told The Star. Families of students at the building Hernandez taught at were notified Wednesday after he was placed on administrative leave.
The FBI released a questionnaire on Friday, according to a press release, allowing those who may have information about Hernandez to submit it directly to the FBI.
Those with information can also call 1-800-CALL-FBI. The FBI asks potential reporters to either use the questionnaire or the phone number to submit reports.
Identities of all victims will remain confidential, according to the press release.
