Alissa McCommon arrested, charged with rape of a child

Covington fourth grade teacher Alissa McCommon has been arrested following an investigation into sex assault allegations.

She has been charged with rape of a child, which is unlawful sexual penetration of a victim by the defendant or the defendant by a victim, if the victim is between 8-13 years of age. She faces 25 years in prison if convicted.

There have been numerous reports suggesting there has been more than one victim, however she was only arrested on one charge.

Covington Police Chief Donna Turner said 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 reportedly admitted to communicating inappropriately with former students.

There has been no evidence that any of the alleged activities occurred on any school campus.

The Tipton County Sheriff’s Office detectives began working jointly with CPD detectives after receiving information regarding a victim or victims who were exposed to similar circumstances within the county’s jurisdiction, outside of Covington city limits.

The investigation is continuing in nature as the evidence further develops.

Further specific allegations are omitted due to the involvement of minors as victims.

McCommon was transported to the Tipton County jail and a $25,000.00 bond has been set in the case. The judge stated she is not to be in contact with any victims, which was written in plural form, and is not allowed contact with any minors other than her own children as a condition of bond.

Detectives with both the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office and Covington Police Department continue to interview witnesses and identifying 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. 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 am thankful for the continued assistance by Tipton County School officials during this investigation,” said Chief Donna Turner. “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.”

On Friday, a photo showing her being led in handcuffs by Covington Police Chief Donna Turner and Detective Tony Doss was leaked to a Facebook group administrator before news of an arrest had been officially reported.

McCommon, 38, was formally booked into the Tipton County Jail hours later.

She was a fifth grade teacher at Crestview Elementary until this school year when she joined Charger Academy as a fourth grade English/Language Arts  teacher. She was suspended without pay after the allegations were reported to the school board on Aug. 24.

Tipton County Schools provided a statement Friday afternoon.

“This afternoon, district officials were made aware of Alissa McCommon’s arrest. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who may have been affected by the events as outlined by law enforcement today in their press release.

“Although Ms. McCommon is currently suspended, the district’s dismissal of teachers is construed by statutory law. As a result, we will continue to engage our legal counsel and pursue employment decisions consistent with the requirements therein.”

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Covington Police Department or the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office.

This is a breaking story. The Leader will update it as more details become available.