A Las Vegas elementary school teacher is under investigation over alleged in-class games, including “knife tag” and “the teddy bear game,” when the teacher would hug primarily female 5th-grade students while he pretended to cry.
According to reports, it began when multiple students and staff at Wing and Lilly Fong Elementary School in Las Vegas reported unusual and inappropriate classroom behavior by Kha Nam Nguyen to school officials. Allegations included the unsettling “games” mentioned and unwanted physical contact, while also calling some young girls “gold diggers” and “mean girls.”
He’s also accused of flipping desks, throwing books, and calling one student “special ed” over incorrect answers, while he allegedly “shipped” students — slang for matchmaking. Meanwhile, another teacher also reported that Nguyen, 51, made unwanted advances toward her.
He turned off the lights and chased the students
During the so-called “knife game,” investigators say Nguyen turned off classroom lights, pulled out a serrated knife from a cabinet, and made stabbing motions at students while chasing them. According to local news outlet KTNV, authorities found a serrated bread knife in his classroom.
Investigators also documented a “head-rest” maneuver, reporting that Nguyen would place his hands on students’ faces without consent and instruct them to rest their full weight against him. Reports say at least one student alleged Nguyen threw a notebook that hit them in the face,
After students and staff came forward, Clark County School District police investigators launched a formal inquiry regarding Nguyen’s conduct. During a police interview, Nguyen acknowledged engaging in some of the complained‑of actions, claiming he intended them to be humorous or to build rapport despite acknowledging they were inappropriate. He denied calling a student “special ed.”
According to KTNV, investigators wrote in their report,
Throughout the interview, Nguyen justified his actions as a way to entertain kids, him just being funny, to gain the class’s attention, and for rapport building. At one point during the interview, Nguyen mentioned that he could see why some of his actions were weird now that he was talking about it.”
via KTNV
Nguyen was charged with multiple counts, including seven counts each of child abuse or neglect and unlawful contact with a minor, according to reports.
Following his arrest, Nguyen posted $15,000 bail. His release conditions include no contact with minors, a prohibition from returning to his former school, and electronic monitoring. Court proceedings are ongoing.
The Clark County School District has barred him from returning to the workplace and continues to monitor the situation, though it has not publicly outlined further disciplinary measures.
