Allen Maxwell, a physical education teacher at Decaturville Elementary School in Decatur County, Tennessee, was arrested on Friday, January 9, 2026, at his home in Parsons by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office. He faces one count of rape of a child following an active investigation into an alleged criminal incident involving a school employee. Authorities obtained an arrest warrant through collaboration with the 24th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which is leading the case, and Maxwell was taken into custody without incident.

Upon being notified of the investigation, Decatur County Schools immediately placed Maxwell on administrative leave, barred him from all school campuses, and prohibited any contact with students or staff. The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement while conducting its own review in line with state law and policy, emphasizing student and staff safety as the top priority. Counseling and support resources are available across campuses, including additional on-site assistance at Decaturville Elementary and Riverside High School.

No specific details about the alleged incident have been released, and the investigation remains ongoing. Officials urge anyone with information or who believes they may be a victim to contact the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office or the 24th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office.