Full Breakdown
Allegations Against Las Vegas Teacher Kha Nam Nguyen: Child Abuse and Misconduct
3/20/2026, 9:42:15 AM
Overview of Allegations
Kha Nam Nguyen, a 51-year-old fifth-grade teacher at Wing and Lilly Fong Elementary School in Las Vegas, faces multiple charges, including seven counts of child abuse or neglect and seven counts of unlawful contact with a minor. The allegations stem from reports by students regarding inappropriate behavior, including unwanted touching and disturbing classroom games.
Disturbing Classroom Behavior
According to police reports, Nguyen engaged in several troubling activities that made students feel uncomfortable. He allegedly played a game called "knife tag," where he would turn off the classroom lights, retrieve a large knife from a cabinet, and chase students while pretending to stab them. Students reported feeling frightened during these incidents, with one stating, "You guys better start running because I’m going to go around the classroom with the knife."
In addition to "knife tag," Nguyen reportedly played a "Teddy Bear" game, where he pretended to cry and sought comfort from students through hugs. He also allegedly touched students' faces and hair, referred to these actions as “chin rest” or “ear rest,” and made inappropriate comments, including calling girls "gold diggers" and telling boys not to date girls.
Reports of Volatile Behavior
Nguyen's behavior extended beyond inappropriate games. Witnesses described him as having a temper, with incidents of him yelling at students, flipping desks, and throwing objects in frustration. One student reported that he flipped a desk and threw a book at them. Additionally, a colleague reported that Nguyen made unwelcome advances, including gifting her expensive items, which raised concerns among staff.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation into Nguyen's conduct began in late February after a parent reported his behavior to authorities. Police interviewed multiple students and staff members, many of whom corroborated the allegations. On March 13, Nguyen was arrested, and during questioning, he admitted to some of the actions, claiming he intended to entertain students and build rapport. However, he acknowledged that some of his actions may have been inappropriate.
Official Responses and Current Status
Following his arrest, Nguyen was released on a $15,000 bail but is required to wear an electronic monitoring device and maintain distance from the school and minors. As of the latest reports, he is no longer listed as a staff member at Fong Elementary School, and the Clark County School District has not confirmed whether he has been terminated. Nguyen is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 31.
Criticism and Community Impact
The allegations against Nguyen have raised significant concerns within the community and among parents regarding the safety and well-being of students in schools. Many parents expressed fear for their children's safety, with some students reportedly feeling distressed and unsafe in Nguyen's classroom.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Nguyen would then say something along the lines of ‘You guys better start running because I’m going to go around the classroom with the knife,’” — Student witness
- “see why some of his actions were weird.” — Kha Nam Nguyen, during police questioning
The case against Kha Nam Nguyen highlights serious issues of misconduct in educational environments, prompting discussions about teacher conduct and student safety.
