Tennessee Elementary School Teacher Charged with Rape of 12-Year-Old Boy; Police Investigate Possible Multiple Victims

A fourth-grade teacher at Charger Academy in Covington, Tennessee, has been arrested and charged with rape after allegedly sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy. The accused teacher, Alissa D. McCommon, 38, is also under investigation for grooming other young boys online through video games.

Charger Academy is part of the Tipton County School District, located in West Tennessee in the Mississippi Delta region, approximately 40 miles northeast of Memphis.

McCommon, a mother of two residing in Covington, was taken into custody at her home by the Covington Police Department on allegations of sexual misconduct involving multiple juveniles as part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation.

According to Tipton County General Sessions court records, McCommon faces one felony count of child rape. Additional charges are expected in the case, as stated by the Covington Police Department in a Facebook post.

After her arrest on Friday, McCommon posted a $25,000 bond on Saturday and is scheduled to appear before a judge on Wednesday, according to a court clerk.

Assistant Superintendent Rebekah Byrd of Tipton County confirmed that McCommon was suspended without pay from her teaching position on August 24, the same day the allegations came to light. Her name is no longer listed on the school’s website.

Detectives became aware of the rape accusation when the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services reported sexual misconduct between McCommon and a former student, now 16. The alleged victim, who was 12 at the time in seventh grade, told detectives that he had spent the night at McCommon’s residence several years ago and was sexually assaulted by her during that time.

Furthermore, “multiple juvenile victims” have come forward, stating that McCommon befriended them and engaged in online video gaming. McCommon allegedly communicated with these boys via cell phone social media apps, sent inappropriate photographs, and solicited sexual relations with them.

While authorities have not disclosed specific locations, they confirmed that none of the alleged activities took place on the school campus.

Covington Police Chief Donna Turner referred to the case as a “terrible exploitation and abuse” of young boys. She anticipates expanding the investigation to determine the involvement of other adults, including those aware of the abuse or who facilitated the illegal acts. Turner has also consulted with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to explore potential federal charges related to sexual exploitation via cellphones and inappropriate relations across state lines.

Defense attorney Jere Mason, who represents McCommon, maintains her innocence. He urged the public to allow the justice system to proceed without additional persecution of the victims or the defendant.

Individuals with information related to the case are encouraged to contact the Covington Police or the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office.