Father of accuser in case of teacher charged with rape speaks out on victim advocacy
After he was arrested last week, 32-year-old Chad Brooks was indicted on 16 counts of aggravated statutory rape and statutory rape by an authority figure. Knox County Schools placed Brooks on unpaid leave, and are not renewing his contract for the next school year.
While all 16 counts against Brooks list a single person, KPD is urging anyone impacted by this case, or anyone who is aware of possible victims to come forward. In talking to this person's father, he said as upset as he is at the situation, he is placing his trust in the victim advocacy groups to bring his daughter justice.
West High teacher facing statutory rape charges placed on administrative leave
'Being a dad the first thing that hits my mind is rage and, I guess, violent thoughts,' he said. 'I spoke with one of the special unit, the Knoxville Police Department Special Crimes Division officer, and he kind of reassured me to just let them do their job, and they'd get a handled for me.'
After KPD started their investigation into Brooks back in April, the West High School student's dad said he was relieved to learn Brooks was arrested.
'Charges have been brought against him and he's going to be prosecuted for what is done and just basically just trying to be there for her, walking step-by-step with her the whole way,' he said.
He said it is the groups like KPD's Special Victims Unit that have helped them in this process. Other victim advocacy groups like the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee said they are here for these kinds of situations.
'We could get anywhere from one to 10 calls or more every single day,' said the McNabb Center Victim Services Director Lacy Bradley.
Bradley added they average almost a thousand hotline calls a year, and preform around 300 sexual assault nurse examiner, or SANE exams, across East Tennessee.
'We work alongside all of the community partners that need to be a part of this to figure out where we're going to go and how we can keep our city safe, our city safer,' said Bradley. 'Our students and our children, women out taking a jog, in our schools, we want to provide prevention as we can and as is requested.'
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Whether it is working with police departments, families, or schools, they say they hope to provide a safe space for victims to find support. The accuser's father also hopes groups like these encourage those who may be victims of these crimes to come forward.
'I would just encourage any of them to feel free to reach out to the Knoxville Police Department. They've been a great help with us as far as having support for my daughter, and advocating for her,' he said. 'I would definitely encourage any other victims regarding this case or any other case of sexual abuse to definitely step forward.'
Despite the fact Brooks will not be returning to West High School, the father said he finds comfort in the fact his daughter will soon be graduating.
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KPD is urging anyone who may be impacted by this case or who is aware of possible child abuse or statutory rape to call their special crimes unit at 865-215-6810 or visit them at the Knoxville Family Justice Center.
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