Former White County Middle School teacher indicted

(Jan. 8, 2024) In October 2023, Investigators with the District Attorney’s Office, the White County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Children’s services began investigating Austin Damon Allen, who was a White County Middle School teacher at that time. According to District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway, the allegations involved alleged sexual conduct involving minor children.

During the initial investigation, sufficient evidence supporting the allegations was gathered, and Austin Damon Allen was charged with three counts of Rape of a Child and taken into custody.

As the investigation has progressed, further evidence was gathered justifying additional criminal charges, identifying additional victims and further supporting the initial charges.                                                   

The results of the investigation were presented to the White County Grand Jury on Jan. 8, 2024.                                                                        

The White County Grand Jury found probable cause that the following criminal offenses were committed and issued a nine (9) count Criminal Indictment today, Jan. 8, 2024, charging Austin Damon Allen with the following:

1. Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child - 2 counts
2. Rape of a Child - 4 counts
3. Soliciting Sexual Exploitation of a Minor by electronic means - 2 counts
4. Especially aggravated sexual exploitation - 1 count

Austin Allen was taken into custody in Cookeville in October 2023 when originally charged. He remains in custody in the White County Jail at this time.

If the public has any information regarding any other potential victims, they are asked to contact the Office of the District Attorney General at 931-528-5015 or the White County Sheriffs Office at 931-836-2700.