Elementary school teacher Alissa McCommon is finally sentenced to 25 years in prison without parole

A former Tennessee elementary school teacher, Alissa McCommon, who became pregnant by one of her underage victims, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison without parole.

The 38-year-old rapist was convicted of child rape, statutory rape, and sexual exploitation of minors, according to prosecutors. Along with her prison sentence, she will face lifetime supervision as a violent sex offender, have no contact with her victims, and permanently lose her teaching license.

The Tipton County District Attorney’s Office praised the sentence. “We are glad to achieve closure for the victims, their families, and the Tipton County community,” said District Attorney General Mark E. Davidson.

One of the most shocking revelations of the case was that McCommon gave birth to a child fathered by one of her underage victims. The victim’s mother currently has custody of the baby.

In court, prosecutors presented evidence of a phone call where McCommon admitted to being pregnant by the boy and begged him not to report her. “When it comes out looking like you, we don’t have to talk anymore,” she said. “Please don’t say anything. I’m under so much stress and scared all the time.”

McCommon was initially arrested after being accused of raping a boy under the age of 12 in her home on September 8, 2023. Further investigation revealed she had groomed multiple students, befriending them through online video games and social media platforms.

She allegedly sent explicit photos via Snapchat and arranged sexual encounters with her victims.

Authorities reported that McCommon used a specific “code word” to ensure a victim was alone before sending nude photos. In one recorded phone call, McCommon pleaded, “You’ll never hear from me again. Just don’t say anything.”

While out on bond, McCommon was rearrested for violating her bond conditions on September 28. Police accused her of contacting a victim using an unknown phone number, attempting to intimidate him by saying he would “regret doing this.”

Covington Police Chief Donna Turner called her actions “appalling” and said her behavior raised concerns about additional victims. “Due to the nature of her communications, we are worried there may be others who haven’t come forward yet,” Turner said.

Her attorney, Jere Mason, argued during the trial that there was no direct proof confirming some allegations, claiming the prosecution relied heavily on circumstantial evidence. He also criticized what he called a “witch hunt on social media,” urging the public to allow the justice system to work without external influence.

However, prosecutors countered these claims by presenting a pattern of predatory behavior. They highlighted McCommon’s attempts to intimidate victims even while under legal scrutiny, which further demonstrated her disregard for the law.

“Her attempts to manipulate and threaten her victim show just how dangerous and unrepentant she is,” said one prosecutor.

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McCommon taught at Crestview Elementary. She joined Charger Academy, teaching fourth grade, where she worked when she was suspended without pay on Aug. 24, 2023. Authorities said that the rape case landed on their radar on the day McCommon was suspended when a parent came forward to report her.