An elementary school teacher from Independence, Missouri, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on additional child pornography charges. Dennis Adlai Hernandez, 28, now faces a seven-count indictment in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City. Previously, Hernandez was charged with transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The new indictment adds four more counts related to the production and attempted production of child pornography. Authorities allege that these offenses took place between August 2022 and August 2025.
The indictment outlines accusations only; it does not serve as evidence of guilt. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, “Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.”
The FBI is actively seeking information about potential victims connected to this case. They have requested that anyone who believes they or their children may have been affected contact 1-800-CALL-FBI. Minors are asked to have a parent or guardian call on their behalf. The FBI states: “Your responses are voluntary. Based on your responses, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.”
Federal law requires the FBI to identify victims in cases it investigates, and those identified may qualify for certain services and rights under federal or state law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Dunning is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse through collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies. More details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc . Information about internet safety education is also available at this site under the “resources” tab.
