RUTLEDGE – A sitting Grainger County School Board member and substitute teacher has been arrested on felony charges following an investigation into an alleged relationship with a minor, according to authorities.
The Grainger County Sheriff’s Department announced March 2 that Steven Blanken was arrested February 27 on two counts of aggravated statutory rape. The charges stem from an investigation that began after information was reported to school officials in late February.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, investigators received information February 20 regarding the alleged relationship between a minor and an individual serving as both a substitute teacher and a school board member. Authorities said evidence indicated the situation had allegedly been ongoing since December 2025.
Investigators met with the Grainger County Schools Director of Schools, other individuals and the juvenile’s parents as part of the preliminary investigation. Due to the nature of the allegations, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Unit was contacted to assist.
Investigator Capt. Leon Spoone and TBI Special Agent Kris Sanders conducted what officials described as an extensive investigation which resulted in Blanken’s arrest.
Blanken was released the same day after posting a $20,000 surety bond and was required to have GPS monitor placement. As a condition of release he is prohibited from having contact with the alleged victim or the victim’s family. He is scheduled to appear in Grainger County General Sessions Court for an initial appearance March 10.
Grainger County Schools Director Mark Briscoe confirmed that school administration was notified of the allegations prior to the arrest and said immediate action was taken.
“On Thursday, February 19, 2026, a parent came forward to school system administration alleging a possible inappropriate relationship between her child and a school board member who also served at times as a substitute teacher,” Briscoe said. “After learning what had been alleged, administration immediately notified law enforcement and cooperated in full as they initiated an investigation.”
Briscoe emphasized that the district acted swiftly once informed.
“Since the day administration was notified of the serious allegations brought forth on February 19, immediate steps were taken to ensure he could not serve as a substitute teacher in any capacity within the district,” Briscoe said. “The school system has remained fully cooperative and transparent with the investigating agencies during this process.”
He added that due to the ongoing nature of the investigation further questions regarding the case itself should be directed to the Sheriff’s Department, the TBI or the District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the case has been presented to the court and remains under judicial review. The investigation is ongoing and no additional details are being released at this time to protect the integrity of the case and the privacy of those involved.