On September 8, 2023, 38-year-old Alissa McCommon was arrested and charged with raping a 12-year-old boy who was her former student in Covington, Tennessee. She allegedly used video games to contact multiple young boys with nefarious intentions. She was released on bond. Less than a month later, she was arrested again.
McCommon was rearrested on Thursday, September 28, after allegedly stalking and harassing her victim. Police claim she told the boy “he would regret” going to the authorities. She is now being held without bond until her legal proceedings.
Before her arrests, McCommon previously taught fourth grade at Charger Academy in Covington. She is also a mother of two. She pleaded not guilty to the rape charges.
She was initially released on a $25,000 bond with the conditions she refrained from speaking to any alleged victims or minors other than her own children. She allegedly violated these terms.
“The evidence indicates McCommon texted a victim, using a specific code word known to the juvenile as a code word McCommon would previously utilize to confirm that the juvenile was alone, often before sending nude photographs on SnapChat,” authorities said in a statement.
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McCommon allegedly tried to cover her tracks by using a previously unknown phone number. “After using the code word September 28, the evidence indicates McCommon sent multiple text messages to victim indicating he would ‘regret doing this,’” police went on to say. She also allegedly admitted guilt during this exchange.
Covington Police Chief Donna Turner weighed in on the distressing situation. “The actions of McCommon are not only appalling, but CPD is also concerned about this apparent violation of her bond conditions,” she stated. “Due to the nature of the communications, we are concerned others may have been contacted. We continue to work closely with the District Attorneys’ Office as to the revocation of McCommon’s bond, as well as the additional charges that continue to develop.”
McCommon is now being held at the Tipton County Jail without bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on October 13 for her initial charges. It is unknown at this time if she has declared a plea for the new charges.
After her first arrest, her lawyers, Bryan Huffman and Jere Mason, issued a statement urging the public to withhold judgment until all the facts were presented. “The Covington Police Department released a one-sided press release — which the court of public opinion has seized on to convict Mrs. McCommon without having full knowledge of the facts, or lack thereof, uncovered during a proper investigation,” they stated. "Mrs. McCommon maintains her innocence of the charge levied by the Covington Police Department."
“Until all the facts can be presented, the public should reserve judgment and remember that in a free society we must rely on the criminal justice system to do its job," they concluded. Her attorneys have yet to comment on her latest arrest.
For their part, police are still considering this an ongoing investigation. “If your child has been contacted by an unknown number, CPD can check that information for you and would like to in order to ensure that such abuse does not continue,” the department urged the public.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at RAINN.
