KC Reporter

A teacher at Independence Elementary School in Missouri has been charged with several child pornography offenses. Dennis Adlai Hernandez, 28, faces federal charges of transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City.

Hernandez was arrested at his home following a federal search warrant executed by law enforcement. He remains in custody and is scheduled for an initial court appearance before a federal magistrate.

According to the complaint affidavit, on August 19, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received 19 CyberTipline Reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC made the referral after receiving disclosures 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.

Federal statutes outline that transportation of child pornography carries a sentence ranging from five to twenty years in prison. Production or attempted production carries a minimum sentence of fifteen years and a maximum of thirty years. Possession carries up to twenty years imprisonment. Sentencing will be determined by the court based on advisory guidelines after a presentence investigation.

The FBI is seeking information about potential victims related to 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 age 18, individuals are asked to have a parent or guardian make the call.

The FBI is required by law to identify victims involved in its investigations. Victims may qualify for services, restitution, and rights under state or federal law.

"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."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Dunning is prosecuting the case with investigative support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide through coordinated efforts among various agencies (https://www.justice.gov/psc). The program also provides resources for internet safety education (https://www.justice.gov/psc).

A redacted copy of the publicly filed complaint and affidavit has been made available as part of this announcement.