A Christian school in Tennessee is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Liberty Christian School’s principal, Jason Kennedy, has been indicted on 11 additional child sex charges. He was previously arrested and charged in 2022 with two counts of sexual assault by an authority figure and one count of solicitation of a child.
Kennedy now faces new charges that include solicitation of a minor to observe sexual conduct, aggravated sexual battery, four counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, and two counts of continual sexual abuse of a minor. There are now four alleged victims in the case instead of one.
Kennedy was not the only one charged in connection with these alleged crimes in 2022. Brittney Branham works as the school secretary and homeschool adviser. She faces charges of solicitation of a minor. It is unclear whether she will face new additional charges at this time.
The first victim is now 19 years old but claims she was underage at the time of the incidents, which occurred between 2019 and 2021. She would spend the night at the home of Kennedy and his wife. Branham also lived at this residence.
The home was located in Athens, Tennessee. The victim and Branham would share a room. Kennedy would come in and talk to the two about sex.
The victim alleges Branham also encouraged a relationship between her and Kennedy. She wanted the victim to let Kennedy touch her inappropriately in private areas. She also advised the victim to keep this a secret because they could get in trouble for these actions.
This bad behavior escalated one night in August 2020. Branham and Kennedy bought the victim a “black and white skimpy nightgown.” Kennedy allegedly came into the victim’s room and touched her breast.
In 2021 Branham and Kennedy masturbated in front of the victim. They urged the victim to join them. After they were finished, they adjusted their clothing and acted as if the whole thing had not just happened.
Branham and Kennedy are still employed at Liberty Christian School. In addition to working as the school principal, Kennedy also serves as a teacher and pastor. The school has not publicly commented on the cases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse, and 91% of child sexual abuse is committed by a close figure in the child’s life. According to RAINN, one way for parents to prevent childhood sexual abuse is to have a close relationship with their child and open, honest communication.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at RAINN.
