Former Dixon school teacher arrested for allegedly paying students to have sex with her

On November 15, 2024By Littum

DIXON, Mo. — A Dixon School District teacher was arrested by law enforcement on Tuesday, Nov. 12, on 19 charges, including statutory rape and sexual contact with a juvenile, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD).

Online court documents say Carissa Smith is accused of the following:

Eight counts of second degree statutory rape
One count of second degree statutory sodomy
Two cases of sexual assault with a student
Three cases of sexual contact with a student
Two counts of second-degree sexual trafficking of a child under the age of 18
One case of patronizing prostitution
Two counts of obstruction of justice

Online court records say Smith began as a substitute teacher for Dixon Middle School in 2022 and 2023. She was then hired as a paraprofessional for the high school for the 2023-24 school year and was later hired as a long-term substitute until her resignation in August 2024.

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After interviewing several victims, PCSD says Smith offered money to students in exchange for sex or oral sex, mostly at her residence. One victim said they had sex with Smith when they were in middle school.

The probable cause statement also accuses Smith of providing marijuana and alcohol to students and allowing them to smoke and drink in her presence, as well as sending inappropriate photos of herself to a victim through Snapchat.

Smith is currently being held at the Pulaski County Detention Center on a $250,000 cash or bond. PCSD says she may face more charges after they interview more victims.

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