A substitute teacher in Wilkes County Public Schools has been charged with child abuse.

KEENE KENT KRUCKENERG

Name:  Keene Kent Kruckenberg
Age: 74
Charge(s): One county misdemeanor child abuse
Charge Type(s): (View Sentencing Chart)
Arrest Date: 4-29-24
Bond Details: No bond. Written promise to appear.

Victim /Case Details: 

Allegations per court records show that Kruckenberg, while acting as a substitute teacher, assaulted a child on April 24.
Warrant information available through court records says the child is under the age of 16. The warrant says the assault consisted of Kruckenberg “hitting the victim with an open hand and leaving a red handprint on the victim’s chest, and was inflicted by other than accidental means.”

Press release from Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office:

“On Thursday, April 25th, 2024, at 1:05 p.m. the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office received a report from Wilkes County Schools regarding an assault on a student by a substitute teacher. Upon further investigation, the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged Keene Kent Kruckenberg, age 74 of North Wilkesboro, with one count of misdemeanor child abuse on Monday, April 29th, 2024. This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office. No further information is available at this time.”

District: Wilkes County Public Schools
Current Role: Substitute Teacher
History: Substitute for 10 years; per District.
Employment status: “He is no longer employed as a substitute teacher with Wilkes County Schools.” – Wilkes County Public Schools Public Information Officer Morgan Mathis.

Statement from District: No official statement beyond the status of Kruckenberg was issued by the district.

NC Teacher License Information: EXPIRED.

License Number: 994190
Name: KRUCKENBERG, KEENE KENT
License Type: Educator
License Status: Expired
Expiration Date: 06/30/2021
Effective Date: 07/01/2016
License Area(s): Language Arts 6-9, Social Studies 9-12, School Administrator: Principal, Social Studies 6-9