Decatur County Elementary Teacher Faces Child Rape Charge with Allegations Dating Back Five Years, Court Documents Reveal
In Decaturville, Tennessee, court records recently obtained show that a 47-year-old physical education teacher at Decaturville Elementary School, Allen Maxwell, is accused of beginning to sexually abuse a child in January 2021, with the alleged offenses continuing for almost two years until November 2022.
The Decatur County Sheriff’s Office arrested Maxwell at his home in Parsons on Friday, January 9, 2026. According to the arrest warrant and supporting affidavit (filed on January 9), he faces a charge of rape of a child. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred inside his vehicle in Decatur County.
Maxwell was taken into custody without incident, and his bail has been set at $250,000. He remains in custody.
Following the sheriff’s office investigation, Decatur County Schools immediately placed Maxwell on administrative leave and prohibited him from entering any district campuses or contacting students or staff members.
In an official statement, the school district confirmed it is fully cooperating with the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and conducting its own internal review in line with state law and district policies. The district emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the school community, and noted that counseling resources are available at Decaturville Elementary School and Riverside High School for anyone needing support.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities encourage anyone with information about the case or who believes they may be a victim to contact the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office or the 24th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
