A teacher in Tennessee has been taken into custody after being accused of raping a 12-year old boy and inappropriately contacting young boys through video games while chatting on social media.
Covington Police Department and the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying they had arrested Alissa McCommon, 38, of Covington and charged her with rape of a child.
The mother of two was taken to the Tipton County jail where she was held on a $25,000 bond.
According to Tipton County Director of Schools Dr. John Combs, a parent stepped forward on August 24, with allegations that McCommon raped the young child.
McCommon, who taught English Language Arts and Social Studies at Charger Academy, was suspended without pay from her position by Tipton County Schools due to the allegations.
Covington police detectives began investigating when they received information on Aug. 24 from the Tennessee Department of Children Services about a report of allegations of sexual misconduct involving a teacher and a former student.
Multiple juveniles then came forward saying “they were befriended by their former teacher, McCommon, who began playing video games with them, and then further engaged with them through mobile phone social media apps, which led to her allegedly sending inappropriate photographs and requesting sexual relations with the victims.
McCommon admitted to communicating inappropriately with former students. However, there has been no evidence that any of the alleged activities occurred on any school campus.
Detectives from the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office and the Covington Police Department began working together after receiving information regarding a victim or victims who were exposed to similar circumstances within the county’s jurisdiction, outside of Covington city limits.
Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and identify other potential victims in the case.
Detectives have met with the District Attorney’s Office about the ongoing multi-jurisdictional investigation. Additional charges are expected.
“Covington Police Department Detectives continue to investigate this terrible exploitation and abuse of these young boys,” Chief Turner said of the allegations in the statement. “We expect to also develop the investigation to determine accountability of other adults in the case, including those who were aware of the abuse, and those who allowed or provided locations for such illegal acts to occur.”
“I have also spoken with the US Attorney’s Office, and we intend to pursue any appropriate federal charges related to the sexual exploitation of these victims utilizing cellphones, inappropriate relations, and activities across jurisdictional State lines,” added Turner. “We will prosecute this case to the fullest and will continue to support the victims and their families during all aspects of the investigation.”
McCommon’s attorney, Jere Mason replied, “We believe that it’s borderline a witch hunt on social media and that’s frustrating to us. What we’re asking is that the public be patient and allow the justice system to do it’s job and not create further persecution on the alleged victims or on the family of the defendant.”
McCommon is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 13.
