A Grainger County School board member who also served as a substitute teacher has been indicted following charges of an inappropriate relationship with a teenager Steve Blanken – who represents District 2 – was arrested in February after allegations arose about an inappropriate relationship with a child arose. The alleged incident occurred in Blanken’s vehicle which was parked at a remote location.

He was indicted on three counts of statutory rape for separate incidents from December 23 through February 20, Blanken has been banned from Grainger County Schools property and the school board has requested the District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn begin ouster proceedings if and when Blaken either pleads guilty or is found guilty.