LAS VEGAS — A veteran fifth-grade teacher within the Clark County School District (CCSD) is facing multiple felony charges after students detailed a pattern of disturbing classroom “games” and erratic behavior, including allegedly stalking children with a serrated knife in the dark.
Kha Nam Nguyen, 51, was arrested Friday, March 13, following an investigation by the Clark County School District Police Department. Nguyen, a teacher at Wing and Lilly Fong Elementary School, faces one count of child abuse or neglect and five counts of open or gross lewdness involving a minor or mentally ill person.
The “Games” of Wing and Lilly Fong Elementary
According to police reports obtained from local authorities, the investigation was triggered by consistent and harrowing accounts from multiple students regarding Nguyen’s classroom management and personal interactions.
The most severe allegation involves a game Nguyen reportedly dubbed “knife-tag.” Students told investigators that the educator would turn off the classroom lights and roam the room while brandishing a knife.
- Evidence Found: During a subsequent search of the classroom, investigators discovered a “large, serrated bread knife” concealed within a cabinet.
- The “Teddy Bear” Game: Female students specifically described a “teddy bear game,” where Nguyen would allegedly hug a student while pretending to be distraught or crying. Students reported feeling “weird” and “scared,” noting that the game required them to provide physical comfort to their teacher.
Patterns of Verbal Abuse and “Shipping”
The arrest report further details a classroom environment defined by intimidation and inappropriate social commentary. Students alleged that Nguyen:
- Engaged in “shipping,” a term used to pair students together as romantic couples.
- Referred to female students as “gold diggers.”
- Used the term “special ed” as a derogatory slur toward students who answered questions incorrectly.
- Displayed “violent tendencies,” including screaming and flipping desks to get the class’s attention.
Teacher Admits to Long-Term Behavior
Nguyen, who has been employed by the CCSD since 2007, reportedly admitted to investigators that he had performed many of these acts for years. He characterized his behavior as “rapport building” and claimed he was simply trying to “entertain” his students.
“Throughout the interview, Nguyen justified his actions as a way to entertain kids, him just being funny, to gain the class’s attention,” investigators noted in the arrest report. However, police stated that Nguyen eventually conceded his actions could be perceived as “weird” upon further reflection.
A History of Red Flags
The arrest has raised questions regarding school oversight. The principal of Wing and Lilly Fong Elementary reportedly informed police that administrators were aware of previous complaints against Nguyen. These included anonymous reports of “unprofessional statements” and grievances from fellow staff members regarding “unwanted advances” and “unwanted gifts.”
Despite these prior warnings, Nguyen remained in the classroom until the most recent series of student allegations prompted police intervention.
Legal Status and District Response
Nguyen was released on a $15,000 bail and is currently subject to medium-level electronic monitoring. Under the conditions of his release, he is strictly prohibited from returning to the school campus or having contact with the victims.
The Clark County School District has not yet issued a formal statement regarding Nguyen’s current employment status, though typical protocol involves administrative leave pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.
