The case began with a Thursday report from Sevier County Schools and led to a Friday arrest.
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — A Sevier County Schools teacher, identified by investigators as Ashley Palmer, was arrested Friday, Dec. 19, on two counts of statutory rape by an authority figure and two counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. District officials said she was removed from duty immediately and later fired.
The arrest followed a rapid handoff from school administrators to police after they received allegations of “inappropriate activity” involving a student on Thursday, Dec. 18. Detectives interviewed students and collected digital evidence before taking Palmer into custody the next day. The district said employees connected potential witnesses with investigators and turned over materials requested by law enforcement. Police have not said whether additional suspects or victims are involved but described the review of electronic communications as ongoing.
According to initial charging documents, investigators allege Palmer used her position to initiate unlawful contact and is accused of sending sexual images to minors. Authorities have not released the number of youths involved or the dates of the alleged conduct. The student referenced in the original report has not been named because of age. As of Tuesday, no attorney of record was listed for Palmer in online court records and no plea had been entered publicly.
Superintendent Stephanie Huskey said the district acted “promptly” once leaders learned of the allegation, first placing Palmer on leave and then ending her employment after the arrest. Sevierville police said the case will be referred to the Sevier County District Attorney General’s Office for review as detectives complete interviews and forensic downloads. Additional charges could be considered depending on the results of that analysis, police said.
Educators who are charged with crimes related to students typically face state licensing action separate from any criminal case. In this instance, the district said it would continue cooperating with law enforcement and provide staffing updates for affected classrooms. Neighbors near the area reported a visible police presence late Friday as officers served warrants. Parents arriving for afternoon pickup described an unusual number of patrol vehicles and unmarked cars parked near the campus.
As of Tuesday, the investigation remained active. A first court appearance is expected this week, with additional filings anticipated after detectives submit their case packet to prosecutors.
Author note: Last updated December 23, 2025.