Image Credit: Montgomery Central High School / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
The case involving a Clarksville teacher who showed nude photos to a student has been reassigned to the Sumner County District Attorney General’s Office in the 18th Judicial District.
Matthew Vedder, former science teacher at Montgomery Central High School resigned his position within the Clarksville-Montgomery County school system in April, a month after allegations that he showed nude photographs of himself that were on his phone to a 17-year-old female student.
Vedder, 52, who is married to the district Superintendent Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder, admitted to law enforcement that he had shown the pictures to the girl but said it was an accident, a claim that has been disputed by the student and her family.
According to State Representative Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville-District 68) who also occupies a seat on the district’s school board, Luna-Vedder was unaware of her husband’s actions until investigators arrived at her home.
The 19th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office that serves Montgomery County recused itself from the case, referring the matter to the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference (TDAGC) who assigned it to District Attorney General Thomas Dean in Sumner County. Dean’s office has confirmed that they have accepted the appointment as pro tem prosecutor and are reviewing evidence in the case in order to make a decision about prosecution.
Ashley and Adam Ellithorpe, parents of the victim, have spoken at recent school board meetings, calling for transparency, and urging board members to make student safety a priority.
In a peculiar turn of events, Maberry is accused by community members of having disparaged Adam Ellithorpe, who is running for school board in 2028 as a Republican.
Young Republicans Chairman Thomas West resigned his position after receiving a text message about Ellithorpe in which Maberry claimed he wasn’t a Republican and “won’t be our candidate.”
“Rather than focusing on accountability and transparency, it appears the focus has shifted to silencing those who speak out. I refuse to be intimidated for supporting a friend who is seeking answers and justice for his daughter,” said West. “Public officials should be committed to truth, transparency, and protecting children—not threatening political retaliation against those who question the system.”
The Tennessee Conservative reached out to Ellithorpe about Maberry’s claim and received his reply over the weekend. “In response to Mr Maberry’s claim that I was not a Republican my dues are paid and as a Republican, I support the Republican Party.”
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
