Elementary school PE teacher charged with raping a child, sheriff’s office says

DECATURVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) — An elementary school teacher in Tennessee is charged with raping a child, officials said.

The Decatur County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested Allen Maxwell on Friday at his home in Parsons.

Maxwell is a physical education teacher at Decaturville Elementary School, according to the school’s website. The school is located about halfway between Nashville and Memphis, roughly 100 miles from both cities.

He was immediately placed on administrative leave by Decatur County Schools after it was notified of the investigation.

The school district said Maxwell has also been banned from all Decatur County Schools campuses and from having contact with staff or students.

Further details about the alleged rape were not released, including whether the victim is a student at the school where Maxwell works.

Decatur County Schools said it is cooperating fully with the investigation and is conducting its own review.

“Our focus at this time is on the safety of our students, staff, and school community. Support will be available for any students or staff who may need assistance at this time,” the district said, in part.

Anyone with information about this case or who believes they may be a victim is asked to contact the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office at (731) 852-3703.