MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new trial date has been set for the former teacher from Charger Academy in Covington charged with child rape and sexual misconduct against minors.
Originally, the judge set the trial for Alissa McCommon for Aug. 19. During a court hearing on May 20, the judge said it would be delayed. On July 2, the trial was set for Jan. 21, 2025.
McCommon pleaded not guilty in court March 11, 2024, to charges including child rape and sexual misconduct against minors. Covington Police said a Tipton County Grand Jury returned a 23-count indictment March 8 against the former teacher.
Here are the charges:
- Rape of a Child
- Aggravated Statutory Rape (5 counts)
- Sexual Exploitation by Electronic Means (4 counts)
- Solicitation of a Minor to Commit Aggravated Statutory Rape (4 counts)
- Statutory Rape by An Authority Figure (2 counts)
- Coercion of a Witness (2 counts)
- Aggravated Stalking (2 counts)
- Violation of the Child Protective Act
- Tampering with Evidence
- Harassment
Detectives said they worked to identify 21 potential victims during the seven-month investigation. The prosecutors presented evidence involving five victims whose ages ranged from 12 to 17.
McCommon currently remains in the Tipton County Jail.
“Our goal in any of these investigations is to identify any potential victims and provide medical assistance, counseling, and support for their families throughout the investigation," said Chief Donna Turner. “Without this vital intervention, the ripple effect of trauma can last for years with the victims and the family unit.”
“We have worked with our victims and their families in order to bring McCommon to justice and we will allow the judicial system to run its course,” said Sheriff Shannon Beasley. “For now, McCommon will remain in jail and await her day in court.”
On Sept. 6, the CPD announced the investigation into McCommon for inappropriate conduct with minors.
An arrest affidavit said a 16-year-old student came forward to police, saying when he was 12, he stayed in McCommon's apartment when she performed oral sex on him without his consent.
Covington Police released a statement on Sept. 8, saying there are "multiple" alleged juvenile victims, who each stated McCommon connected with them after she was their teacher, playing video games with them but later sending them inappropriate photos, and asking them for sexual relations.
The former Charger Academy teacher was originally arrested Sept. 8 and booked into the Tipton County jail on charges of rape of a child. The next day, she posted $25,000 bond and was released by court on the condition that she made no contact with the victim or any minors other than her own children.
However, the CPD Criminal Investigation Division said it received information on Sept. 26 that McCommon contacted the child using a formerly unknown phone number.
CPD said McCommon previously would text the victim, using a code word to ensure the child was alone, often sending nude photographs on Snapchat afterward. According to CPD, McCommon used the code word again and sent text messages to the victim, saying he would “regret doing this” and admitting to a sexual encounter with him.
She was then re-arrested Sept. 28.