Crime & Safety
Chamberlain High History Teacher Ousted After Arrest
Phillip G. Kornell was one of 35 people arrested in a child-sex sting conducted in Manatee County.
Chamberlain High School history teacher Phillip G. Kornell thought he was arranging to meet an underage girl via the Internet, but it turned out to be an undercover detective from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
When Kornell showed up for the in-face introduction, he was arrested – one of 35 people charged in Operation Green Shepherd II, according to the sheriff’s office.
Kornell, 40, was arrested March 20 and charged with a sexual offense on a victim age 12-15, according to Manatee County jail records.
Find out what's happening in Seminole Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The arrests that resulted from the operation were made public on Monday, March 25 after the sheriff’s office completed the sting, according to Bradenton Patch. The Hillsborough County School District knew of the charges last week, which is why Kornell has already been notified that he’s no longer welcome in his history classroom, The Tampa Tribune reported.
Chamberlain parents were notified of the arrest and firing Monday.
Find out what's happening in Seminole Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"The principal has made it clear he's not coming back to school," Stephen Hegarty, spokesman for the school district, was quoted by The Tribune as saying. "It had nothing to do with any of our students."
Kornell remained in the Manatee County jail Tuesday, March 26, according to jail records.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.