A former Tennessee teacher accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old student has claimed she is pregnant and intends to raise the child.

Alissa McCommon, 38, a former fourth-grade teacher at Charger Academy in Covington, was arrested in September 2023 and charged with child rape after allegedly contacting the boy through Snapchat.

During a court hearing on Tuesday, October 3, prosecutors presented a series of text messages and recorded phone calls between McCommon and the alleged victim. In one of the calls, the mother of two could reportedly be heard saying: “I’m going to raise this baby. I can do this.”

Authorities, however, have not confirmed whether McCommon is pregnant or if the 12-year-old boy is the father.

Court records also suggest that McCommon had warned the boy he would “regret” reporting their alleged relationship to law enforcement.

According to evidence presented, McCommon sent the boy text messages that hinted at pregnancy and expressed regret. One message allegedly read: “I have to tell you something that is serious and huge that deals with you.” Another stated: “This was a mistake, this is my burden. OMG delete this number… please don’t get me in trouble.”

Investigators say the former teacher was dismissed from Charger Academy in 2021 after similar allegations of sexual misconduct involving students, including accusations of sending nude photos and soliciting sex.

McCommon is currently being held at the Tipton County Jail. She is scheduled to appear in court again on Monday, November 27.