Alissa McCommon, a 38-year-old mother of two, was arrested at her home by officers from the Covington Police Department on Friday. It came after reports of sexual misconduct involving a local teacher and multiple juveniles.
Police have said they are investigating other adults – who were reportedly aware of the alleged abuse – to “determine accountability”.
In a statement on social media, police said: “The Covington Police Department and Tipton County Sheriff’s Office are jointly investigating allegations of sexual misconduct involving a local teacher and multiple juveniles.
“On 24 August 2023, the Covington Police Department (CPD) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) received information from a referral filed with the Tennessee Department of Children Services (DCS) regarding allegations of sexual misconduct that had been reported, involving a teacher and a former student. CPD detectives began the investigation and confirmed the teacher had been suspended without pay from her position by Tipton County Schools due to the allegations.
“Multiple juvenile victims have come forth stating that 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. There has been no evidence that any of the alleged activities occurred on any school campus.
“Today [September 8], Alissa McCommon was arrested and charged with Rape of a Child. McCommon was transported to the Tipton County jail and a $25,000.00 bond has been set in the case. Detectives with both the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office and Covington Police Department continue to interview witnesses and identifying [alleged] victims in the case. Detectives have met with the District Attorney’s Office about the ongoing multi-jurisdictional investigation. Additional charges are expected.”
Police Chief Donna Turner added: “Covington Police Department Detectives continue to investigate this terrible exploitation and abuse of these young boys. 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. We will prosecute this case to the fullest and will continue to support the victims and their families during all aspects of the investigation.”
