Tennessee Elementary PE Teacher Arrested for Child Rape
Allen Maxwell Charged; Placed on Leave as District Cooperates with Sheriff’s Investigation
DECATURVILLE, Tenn. — Allen Maxwell, a 47-year-old physical education teacher at Decaturville Elementary School in Decatur County, Tennessee, was arrested on January 9, 2026, at his home in Parsons by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office. He faces one count of rape of a child, with court documents revealing that the alleged sexual abuse began in January 2021 and continued until November 2022, spanning nearly two years. The incidents reportedly occurred inside Maxwell's vehicle within Decatur County. While the victim's specific age and sex have not been publicly disclosed to protect their identity, the charge pertains to the rape of a child. Following the arrest, Maxwell's bail was set at $250,000 during a court appearance where the presiding judge recused himself, resulting in the appointment of a new judge. He remains in custody and has been transferred to another holding facility as the investigation proceeds.
Since the initial arrest, several additional alleged victims have come forward, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and the 24th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. No further details on these additional victims, including their ages, sexes, or the specifics of the new allegations, have been released publicly. Authorities are actively encouraging anyone with information or who believes they may be a victim to contact the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office at (731) 852-3703. No trial date has been set, and additional charges may be filed as more information emerges.
In response to the allegations, Decatur County Schools immediately placed Maxwell on administrative leave, banned him from all district campuses, and prohibited any contact with students or staff. The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement, conducting its own internal review, and prioritizing the safety of students, staff, and the community. Counseling and support services have been made available at Decaturville Elementary School and Riverside High School for those affected. The school emphasized that none of the alleged incidents occurred on school property or during school hours.
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