5th grade teacher charged with child abuse following disturbing student claims

A fifth-grade teacher in Las Vegas has been arrested after multiple students accused him of engaging in inappropriate and alarming behaviour inside the classroom.

According to authorities, 51-year-old Kha Nam Nguyen, who worked at Wing and Lilly Fong Elementary School, was taken into custody on March 13.

He faces one count of child abuse or neglect and five counts related to unlawful contact with a minor.

An arrest report revealed a series of troubling allegations from students, including claims that Nguyen played a game referred to as “knife-tag.”

The activity allegedly involved turning off classroom lights and moving around with a knife.

Investigators reported that a large serrated bread knife was later recovered from a classroom cabinet.

Students also described another activity dubbed the “teddy bear game,” in which a student—often a girl—was asked to act as a comforting figure while the teacher pretended to be emotionally distressed.

Several students told authorities the interactions made them feel uncomfortable and uneasy.

Additional allegations include inappropriate physical contact, making remarks such as referring to girls as “gold diggers,” and pairing students as couples.

Some students also claimed Nguyen used offensive language in class and exhibited aggressive behaviour, including flipping desks.

Police said Nguyen admitted to engaging in some of the reported conduct, stating it was intended to “entertain” students and build rapport.

However, he denied certain accusations, including using derogatory terms toward students.

Reports indicate that school administrators had previously received complaints about Nguyen, including concerns over unprofessional remarks and alleged inappropriate interactions.

Following his arrest, Nguyen was released on bail with conditions, including restrictions preventing him from returning to the school. The case remains under investigation.