By Katie Northcott, News Director
NOTE: This story has been updated to include a statement from Bedford County Schools and information from a press release from the Shelbyville Police Department.
According to reporting by Shelbyville NOW, Bryan Whittinghill, a history teacher at Shelbyville Central High School, was arrested last night and charged with multiple counts of sexual battery by an authority figure.
The arrest came after an investigation by the Shelbyville Police Department (SPD). Whittinghill is currently being held in the Bedford County Jail.
In a press release, the SPD stated that on Thursday, Jan. 15, its Criminal Investigations Division was made aware of a complaint made against Whittinghill, alleging Whittinghill had inappropriate contact with two of his teenage adoptive daughters. The investigators found that the inappropriate contact began in 2023 and continued until January 2026. Whittinghill was charged with seven counts of sexual battery by an authority figure.
The press release noted that this is an ongoing investigation and that none of the allegations occurred on school property.
A statement from Bedford County Schools is published below.
School officials have received information regarding allegations involving youth against a member of our teaching staff. The allegations were reported to local law enforcement, which is conducting a full and active investigation. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tammy Garrett stated that to school officials’ knowledge, this is not an on-campus or school-related incident.
To protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of those involved, we cannot provide further details at this time. As of January 15th, the staff member was arrested and will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The individual will have no contact with students.
The safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will take all appropriate actions to ensure a safe learning environment. Resources and support services are available to students and families through the school counseling office.
We understand this news may cause concern and ask the community to respect the privacy of those affected while the investigation is ongoing. We will provide updates as allowed by law and in consideration of the investigative process.
Bedford County Schools is a district of sixteen schools committed to the academic and personal success of each child and serving over 8,700 students.
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