A former substitute teacher, Carissa Smith, has been indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges, including the rape, sodomy, and sexual trafficking of a student. The charges were filed in Pulaski County, Missouri, where Smith was employed by the Dixon R-I School District.

According to court documents, Smith is facing two counts of sexual trafficking of a child under the age of 18, nine counts of statutory rape, two counts of statutory sodomy, three counts of sexual contact with a student, one count of patronizing prostitution – 14 years and younger, and two counts of hindering prosecution of a felony.

The charges stem from allegations made by two juvenile victims who reported to deputies at Kid’s Harbor that they had sex with Smith in exchange for money, alcohol, and marijuana. One of the victims also mentioned a third juvenile who allegedly had sex with Smith, but it is unclear whether this third individual has spoken with law enforcement.

Smith began working as a regular substitute at Dixon Middle School in August 2022 and later moved to Dixon High School as a paraprofessional for the 2023-2024 school year. She resigned from her position in August 2024. A warrant for her arrest was issued on November 12, but as of the time of reporting, she was not listed as being in custody, according to the Pulaski County Jail’s online records.

The superintendent of Dixon R-I, Travis Bohrer, sent a letter to parents informing them of the arrest. He stated that the district had been aware of the allegations but was unable to share information due to the ongoing law enforcement investigation. The district has been working with the Missouri Children's Division and law enforcement and has been in contact with the affected families.