A former Missouri substitute teacher was arrested this week for allegedly forcing underage students into sex.

Accordingly Fox 2 NewsCarissa Jane Smith, 30, was taken into custody on Tuesday, November 12, following a nearly two-month investigation into her alleged crimes. Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department He cited interviews with multiple teenagers who accused Smith of giving them marijuana, alcohol and money in exchange for sexual acts.

“Victim statements stated that Ms. Smith would have sex with them at her home and at various other locations such as gravel driveways or roadsides,” the sheriff’s department wrote. “The victims were able to provide information about what type of vehicle Ms. Smith was driving and described her residence.”

The alleged sexual encounters occurred between August 2023 and September 2024. One of the accusers claimed she was in middle school when Smith propositioned her for sex. According to KY3law enforcement notified the school district of the allegations; however, staff confirmed he was no longer a district employee.

“Earlier this school year, the District received a report of possible misconduct by Ms. Smith toward at least one District student,” the District wrote in a letter shared by KY3. “This report has been shared with the authorities responsible for investigating concerns of this nature. We fully cooperated with both the Missouri Juvenile Division and law enforcement throughout the investigations. “We have also contacted the affected families.”

Smith now faces 19 charges, including statutory rape, sexual assault of a student, sexual trafficking, statutory sodomy and patronizing prostitution. Officials say additional charges may be brought after more students are interviewed.

“The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department reminds everyone that these charges are merely accusations and these individuals will remain innocent until proven guilty,” the department continued.

Smith is being held in the Pulaski County Detention Center on $250,000 bail.