Ex-Substitute Teacher Allegedly Gave Students Cash and Drugs in Exchange for Sex
Carissa Jane Smith was arrested and charged with 19 felonies, including statutory rape and patronizing prostitution.
A former Missouri substitute teacher was arrested this week after she allegedly coerced underage students into sex.
According to Fox 2 News, 30-year-old Carissa Jane Smith was taken into custody on Tuesday, November 12, following a nearly two-month investigation into her alleged crimes. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department cited interviews with multiple juveniles who accused Smith of giving them marijuana, alcohol, and money in exchange for sexual acts.
”Victim statements advised that Mrs. Smith would have sex with them at her residence and other various locations such as gravel roads or on the side of the road,” the sheriff’s department wrote. “Victims were able to provide information about what type of vehicle Ms. Smith drove and described her residence.”
The alleged sexual encounters occurred between August 2023 to September 2024. One of the accusers claimed he was in middle school when Smith solicited him for sex. According to KY3, law enforcement informed the school district about the allegations; however, staffers confirmed she was no longer a district employee.
“Earlier this school year, the District received a report of possible misconduct by Ms. Smith towards at least one District student,” the district wrote in a letter shared by KY3. “This report was shared with the authorities responsible for investigating concerns of this nature. We cooperated fully with both the Missouri Children’s Division and law enforcement throughout their investigations. We have also been in contact with the impacted families.”
Smith is now facing 19 felonies, including statutory rape, sexual misconduct with a student, sexual trafficking, statutory sodomy, and patronizing prostitution. Authorities say additional charges could be filed after more students are interviewed.
“Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department reminds everyone that these charges are merely an accusation, and these individuals remain innocent until proven guilty,” the department continued.
Smith is being held at the Pulaski County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.
