KC Reporter

An elementary school teacher from Independence, Missouri, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple child pornography charges. Dennis Adlai Hernandez, 28, faces a seven-count indictment in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City. The indictment expands upon an earlier three-count criminal complaint that included charges of transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Four new counts of production and attempted production have now been added.

The alleged offenses occurred between August 2022 and August 2025. Authorities emphasize that these are accusations only; evidence must be presented to a federal trial jury for determination of guilt or innocence.

The FBI is currently seeking to identify potential victims related to this case. Individuals who believe they or their children may have been affected are encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Minors should have a parent or guardian make the call on their behalf. The FBI states that responses are voluntary and follow-up contact may occur based on information provided.

As part of its legal mandate, the FBI works to identify victims in federal crime investigations. Victims may qualify for services, restitution, and rights under applicable laws.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Dunning is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse across the country. The project brings together federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and assist victims (https://www.justice.gov/psc). Information about Internet safety education is also available through Project Safe Childhood's website (https://www.justice.gov/psc).