A Grainger County school board member who also worked as a substitute teacher was arrested this week after a parent reported an alleged inappropriate relationship with a child, according to officials. Local records identify the board member as Steven Blanken, and the district says it pulled him from substitute teaching duties while investigators review the case. School leaders say they contacted law enforcement as soon as the allegation surfaced on Thursday. Authorities have not yet publicly released formal charges or any court filing that lays out specific counts.
District Says It Called Police Right Away And Pulled Sub Duties
Grainger County Director of Schools Mark Briscoe told Atlanta News First that a parent came forward on Thursday and that administrators immediately notified law enforcement before cooperating with the investigation. Briscoe said the district moved quickly to make sure Blanken could not serve as a substitute teacher while the probe continues, and he added that any specific questions about potential criminal charges should go to law enforcement.
State And Local Agencies Take Over The Case
Local reporting indicates the case was turned over to the Grainger County Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, with the TBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit assisting. WVLT reported that the station reached out to the district attorney's office and the sheriff’s department for comment, but officials have not provided a full timeline or detailed charging documents while the investigation is still active.
Who Is Steven Blanken?
Local coverage identifies Blanken, 62, as the representative for District 2 on the Grainger County School Board. The county news site Grainger County Journal reported that jail records show he was arrested, though specific charge information had not been posted publicly as of Saturday evening.
Legal Next Steps And What Comes Out Monday
District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn told a news outlet that Blanken had been arrested and that more information would be released on Monday, March 2. Yahoo reported that the DA's office and law enforcement were preparing additional public records, and that any formal charges or court dates will appear in filings from the district attorney and the court clerk if and when they are submitted.
What Officials Are Telling Families Right Now
The school system has reiterated that it is deferring to law enforcement for details, asking reporters and residents to direct questions to the Grainger County Sheriff’s Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the district attorney’s office. WVLT and other local outlets are continuing to track the case, and this story will be updated as public records and court filings become available.
