Sheriff's department officers investigate former Greenback School teacher's aide

Mary E. Hinds News Herald

Lt. Patrick Upton of the Loudon County Sheriff's Office has confirmed his office is in the middle of an investigation regarding a former teacher's aide at Greenback School.  There have been questions raised about the relationship between Amy Kennedy, 41 and at least two high school students at the Loudon County school. 


Investigators said they're looking into text messages between Kennedy and the students. The complaint was not from parents. "We were contacted by the school system," confirmed Upton. School officials said Kennedy was reported in early December and resigned soon thereafter.


School officials were reluctant to discuss the matter until authorities complete their investigation. "There is an ongoing investigation and due to confidentiality we can't say a lot at this point. The sheriff's department is doing an extensive investigation on it," said Wayne Honeycutt, the director of Loudon County Schools. He did want to reassure parents that, "the safety of our kids is our primary focus." 


No charges have been filed against Kennedy, according to Upton. "We're looking into charges but nothing is definite at this time. There is still a lot we've got to do on the case," Upton said, adding there should be more information available soon.


Kennedy is reportedly the same woman who either jumped or fell into Tellico Lake earlier this month when her vehicle crashed into the bridge on Highway 411 South in Vonore. At that time officials described Kennedy as lucky to be alive after the 65-foot drop to the water. Officials refused to speculate if the investigation was the reason for Kennedy's plunge into the lake or if it was in any way related to the investigation.

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12/21/09