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Grainger County School Board member Steven Blanken – who also serves as a substitute teacher – was arrested Friday on two counts of Aggravated Statutory Rape.

According to Grainger County Superintendent of Schools Mark Briscoe, a parent came forward on February 19, alleging an inappropriate relationship between her child and Blanken.

“After learning what had been alleged, administration immediately notified law-enforcement and cooperated in full as they initiated an investigation,” Briscoe said. “Since that time, the matter has been turned over to the Grainger County Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the school system has remained fully cooperative and transparent with the investigating agencies during this process. Since the day administration was notified of the serious allegations brought forth on February 19, immediate steps were also taken to ensure he could not serve as a substitute teacher in any capacity within the district.”

According to the Grainger County Sheriff’s Office, investigators met with the Director of Schools, other individuals, and the parents of the juvenile as part of the preliminary investigation. Due to the nature of the allegations, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children was contacted and requested to assist.

Investigator Captain Leon Spoone, along with the TBI Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, Special Agent Kris Sanders, began an extensive investigation. Their efforts led to Blanken’s arrest. Blanken was released the same day after posting a $20,000 surety bond. Blanken was also required to have GPS Monitor placement. As a condition of his release, he is prohibited from having any contact with the victim or their family. This case has been presented to the court and remains under judicial review. Blanken is scheduled to appear in Grainger County General Sessions Court for his initial appearance on March 10.