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

DIXON, Mo. — A teacher for the Dixon School District 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 state that Carissa Smith is charged with the following:

• Eight counts of second-degree statutory rape

• One count of second-degree statutory sodomy

• Two counts of sexual misconduct with a student

• Three counts of sexual contact with a student

• Two counts of second-degree sexual trafficking of a child under 18 years old

• One count of patronizing prostitution

• Two counts of hindering prosecution

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 multiple victims, PCSD says Smith offered money to students in exchange for sex or oral sex, mainly at her residence. One victim stated 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 letting them smoke and drink in her presence as well as sending inappropriate photos of herself to a victim through Snapchat.

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

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