The criminal defense attorney for Alissa McCommon, a Tennessee elementary school teacher accused of raping a 12-year-old boy, has stated that there is limited proof she contacted the victim via phone after her release on bond. McCommon’s family is facing ridicule as they navigate through this difficult situation, according to her attorney.
Alissa McCommon, a 38-year-old mother of two from Covington, is accused of sexually assaulting the minor while he was spending the night at her home in 2021. Her attorney, Jere Mason of Huffman Mason PLLC, acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations but emphasizes that McCommon also has a family and deserves a fair defense.
McCommon allegedly admitted to engaging in inappropriate communication with former students through online video games and social media apps. She is accused of sending them inappropriate photographs and requesting sexual relationships. These allegations have led to extreme mental stress for McCommon and her family, says Mason.
A Tipton County judge has ordered McCommon to undergo a mental health evaluation, which her attorney hopes will provide further insight into her state of mind. McCommon was initially arrested on September 8 and released on bond, but she was rearrested on September 28 for violating the terms of her release by contacting the victim using a previously unknown phone number.
During a court hearing, a recording of a phone call was played, where a person believed to be McCommon suggests she is pregnant with the victim’s child. However, Mason states that there is no evidence to confirm the accuracy of this claim. Text messages allegedly sent by McCommon express fear and regret, but the defense questions the authenticity of the messages and the identification of the sender.
Prosecutors have not presented sufficient evidence to prove that McCommon made the phone call and sent the messages, according to Mason. He argues that the prosecution’s case relies on inference and lacks concrete proof.
Meanwhile, Covington Police Chief Donna Turner is coordinating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to explore potential federal charges related to the sexual exploitation of victims across state lines.
The Covington Police Department initially launched an investigation into McCommon after receiving information from the Department of Children Services about alleged sexual contact between the teacher and a teenage male student. McCommon has been suspended without pay since August 24, following parental allegations of misconduct.
McCommon’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 27, and police are urging any other potential victims to come forward. Concerned parents are encouraged to contact the Covington Police Department CID or the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office CID.
It is important to allow the justice system to take its course and gather evidence before passing judgment, emphasizes Mason. The seriousness of the charges should not overshadow the need for a fair and thorough investigation.
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