Daily Beacon obtains body cam footage of Herrmann’s arrest

Caden Dyer and Ansley Graves

April 15, 2026

Newly obtained body cam footage from UTPD shows UT student Luke Herrmann’s arrest outside of the BYX fraternity house.

In the footage, Herrmann appears to show little emotion. He was charged with four counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and taken to Knox County jail before being transported to Sumner County, where his warrant originated.

Herrmann’s court date is set for 9 a.m. June 22.

After news of his arrest and subsequent release on a $200,000 surety bond circulated on social media, Herrmann faced backlash online.

Student reactions regarding the incident’s coverage included comments stating, “absolutely disgusting” and “15 years is not enough.”

According to the UTPD crime log, Herrmann’s status for the case states, “case cleared by arrest 03/23/26.”

About the Contributors

Caden Dyer, Editor Emeritus

she/her/hers ([email protected])

Caden Dyer is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public relations with a minor in digital media. She previously served as editor-in-chief of The Daily Beacon. Under her tenure, the Beacon transitioned from tabloid to broadsheet style, reintroduced a digital section, revitalized its website, and was recognized as an outstanding student newspaper on both regional and national stages. In past years, she worked with the Beacon as a copy editor, staff writer, copy chief and managing editor. Caden’s investigative work in academic freedom has garnered awards from Investigative Reporters and Editors as well as the Society of Professional Journalists. Her desire is that the Beacon will continue serving UT with a heart of integrity by seeking out newsworthy stories and shining light on campus. Caden is passionate about connecting people, hearing others’ stories, and making people feel seen. A leader and people person wherever she goes, Caden expects to graduate in spring 2027.

Ansley Graves, Digital Managing Editor

Ansley Graves is a senior majoring in journalism and electronic media. Prior to the Beacon, Ansley was a business student with a niche for writing, but it was not until her sophomore year that she fell in love with writing opinion articles as an opinion columnist. Now serving as the Fall 2025 Managing Editor, Ansley’s vision for the paper is to challenge local and global ideas, and spark important and raw conversation. In her free time, Ansley is in a sorority, an intern, an up-coming author of a non-fiction novel, a cat mom, and serves at a restaurant local on campus. Ansley thrives on having an intense schedule and loves to be busy, as long as she is heavily caffeinated.