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…