Tipton County teacher accused of raping child

COVINGTON, Tenn. — A Tipton County teacher who was under investigation after allegations of inappropriate contact with children under the age of 18 was arrested Friday.

Alissa McCommon has been charged with rape of a child and is being held on $25,000 bail.

Tipton County teacher under investigation and accused of inappropriate contact with children

McCommon, a teacher at Challenger Academy, was suspended without pay Aug. 24 after a parent made allegations, district leaders said.

According to the Covington Police Department, several minor victims came forward and said they became friends with their former teacher and then began playing video games and interacting with her on social media.

She allegedly sent inappropriate photographs to these minors and requested sex with the victims.

McCommon is accused of having a sexual relationship with a boy aged 12 or younger at her home in 2021, according to Covington Police Chief Donna Turner.

“It’s unbearable. It’s unspeakable and 100 percent preventable. I think that’s why we and the detectives are so passionate about making sure the victims are well,” the chief said. Turner.

During the investigation, McCommon admitted to communicating inappropriately with former students, Covington police said.

No evidence has been found indicating the allegations occurred on a school campus.

McCommon’s lawyers say she maintains her innocence.

“We think this borders on a social media witch hunt and it’s frustrating for us,” defense attorney Jere Mason said. “What we ask is that the public be patient and allow the justice system to do its job and not create further persecution against the alleged victims or against the family of the accused.”

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Tipton County Sheriff’s Office detectives began working with Covington police detectives after receiving information regarding a juvenile who had been exposed to the same allegations in the county.

Detectives are still interviewing witnesses and determining victims in the case, according to Covington police. They say the investigation is still ongoing and additional charges are expected.

She is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on October 13.

Resources are being provided to victims, according to Chief Turner.

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