CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A former English teacher at Northwest High School recently pleaded guilty to sex-related crimes involving a 16-year-old and was granted judicial diversion.
Kendahl Erin Coode was hired by Northwest in August 2021 and was in her second year of employment when the incident happened. In October 2022, Coode, 28, used online communication to expose a teen to sexual material two times, according to an indictment by the July 2023 term of the Montgomery County Grand Jury. The indictment did not give further specifics.
On Nov. 1, 2022, CMCSS was informed of the investigation. Coode was immediately placed on alternative worksite duty and instructed to not have contact with students. While still off-site, she resigned on Dec. 2, 2022.
Coode was indicted on two counts of solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor and arrested on July 17. On Jan. 26, she pleaded guilty to both charges. On May 15, she received the judicial diversion and will remain on the Sexual Offender Registry.
Timothy Warren, Coode’s attorney, explained that judicial diversion is a method by which many first-time offenders can have the opportunity to have their conviction dismissed and expunged following a successful probationary period.
Warren and his client have chosen not to comment. The District Attorney’s Office has also declined to comment.
DON’T MISS A STORY: Sign up for the free daily Clarksville Now email newsletter