Substitute teacher faces statutory rape charges, accused of giving students money and sex drugs

A Missouri substitute teacher faces 19 charges, including statutory rape, after authorities say he offered money to minors for sex and bought them marijuana and alcohol.

Prosecutors in Pulaski County charged Carissa Jenna Smith, 30, with sexual trafficking, statutory sodomy, statutory rape and patronizing prostitution, according to court documents reviewed by USA TODAY.

According to a probable cause statement filed by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, it was stated that the woman, who was married and had children, paid a child for sexual intercourse and also purchased marijuana and alcohol.

Smith served as a substitute teacher for the Dixon RI School District in Dixon, Missouri, from August 26, 2022, until August 26 of this year; The district confirmed to USA TODAY Friday afternoon.

On Wednesday, Dixon RI School District Superintendent Travis Bohrer sent out a notice to community members informing them of Smith’s accusations. He called the situation “very troubling and distressing” and said the district was working with the Missouri Department of Juvenile Affairs and authorities.

It was not immediately clear Friday afternoon who was representing Smith in court.

It was alleged that the substitute teacher offered the child money and marijuana in exchange for sex

A detective with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office interviewed one of the minors involved in the incident on Sept. 13, and the student said the incidents occurred while they were in middle school.

Smith was impersonating another teacher and gave the student his Snapchat username. From there, they added each other and started talking through the app. Eventually, he started sending sexually explicit photos to the student.

A year before the interview, when a friend asked the boy if he wanted to “do some work and earn some money for it,” he asked the detective if they wanted to “do some work and earn some money for it.” When the boy said yes, his friend took them to Smith’s house, and probable cause was revealed.

In the statement, it was alleged that after entering Smith’s house, Smith told the child that he would pay the child if they had sex with him. He engaged in sexual acts with the child, including sexual intercourse, the sheriff’s office detective wrote in his statement.

The boy said he paid Detective Smith $130.

According to the boy, Smith told them not to talk about what happened or he would get in trouble.

Suspect accused of repeatedly propositioning child for sex

During the Sept. 13 interview, the first child told detectives that this was not the only time Smith began sexual intercourse with them. The victim said they spent time together at least six or seven times and Smith paid them in cash or through Cash App.

According to the student, Smith had previously taken the boy to a field where Smith offered him $110 and marijuana before having sex, the statement said.

According to the boy, Smith told them, ‘You know you can’t talk about this with anyone, right?’ and the boy agreed not to talk.

The boy also alleged that Smith forced the boy to ejaculate inside himself at one point during sexual intercourse.

The victim told investigators that Smith gave them alcohol, including vodka and whiskey, to drink with friends.

Victim claimed substitute teacher and husband destroyed child’s phone when they learned of the videos

The victim told investigators they had a video of Smith performing oral sex on them. The victim said when she learned of the video of Smith performing oral sex, she “shredded” the video.

The statement also stated that a friend took photos of himself, the victim and Smith in the car.

Another minor named in the probable cause affidavit said Smith told her husband that the victim was trying to blackmail him with a video of himself smoking marijuana with minors. Smith’s husband then threatened the minors with a stick.

In his statement, Dixon RI School District Superintendent Bohrer encouraged community members to speak up if they suspect misconduct by school employees.

He said anyone with concerns can call the Missouri Children’s Division at 1-800-392-3738.

Tipsters can also call Detective Chance Shoecraft of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department at (573) 774-6196 ext. 4808.

If you or someone you know may be affected by sexual abuse or violence, services provided by RAIN Available via chat or call 1-800-656-4673.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. He is from Norfolk, Virginia – 757. Follow him on Twitter: @SaleenMartin or email him [email protected].

This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Missouri substitute teacher allegedly gave kids money, weed in exchange for sex