Grainger County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – A Grainger County man is behind bars after authorities say he attempted to kill a local school board member who is already facing multiple criminal charges.
Sheriff James Harville said 46-year-old Benjamin Mills has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, kidnapping and theft following an incident in February at the home of Steven Blanken.
Blanken, a Grainger County school board member and former substitute teacher, was arrested earlier this year after allegations surfaced involving an inappropriate relationship with a minor between December 2025 and February. He has since been indicted on multiple charges, including three counts of statutory rape, engaging a minor in sexual activity and possession of child sexual abuse material.
After the allegations came to light, school officials banned Blanken from district property and began consulting legal counsel regarding further action.
Following his arrest, investigators say Mills allegedly targeted Blanken at his home, leading to the attempted murder charges. Mills is currently being held in the Grainger County Jail.
In response to the situation, Grainger County Director of Schools Mark Briscoe sent a letter to the district attorney urging legal action to remove Blanken from office if he is convicted of the charges.
