A teacher at Independence Elementary School in Missouri has been charged with several child pornography offenses, according to a federal complaint filed in Kansas City. Dennis Adlai Hernandez, 28, faces charges of transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Hernandez was arrested at his home following the execution of a federal search warrant. He remains in custody and is scheduled for an initial court appearance before a federal magistrate.
The complaint affidavit states that on August 19, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received 19 CyberTipline Reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The NCMEC referred the case after receiving information from Google indicating that multiple files containing apparent child sexual abuse material had been uploaded to Google Photos by an account linked to Hernandez. Based on these reports, FBI agents obtained and executed a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence on August 20.
Under federal law, transportation of child pornography carries a minimum sentence of five years and up to twenty years in prison. Production or attempted production carries a minimum sentence of fifteen years and up to thirty years. Possession can result in up to twenty years imprisonment. Sentencing will be determined by the court after completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
The FBI is working to identify potential victims associated with this case. Individuals who believe they or their children may have been affected are encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. If under eighteen, individuals should have a parent or guardian make the call on their behalf.
“The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Dunning and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The program coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to locate offenders and assist victims. More details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc .
