Court records list two counts of statutory rape by an authority figure and two counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor.
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — A Sevier County Schools teacher was arrested Friday afternoon, Dec. 19, after detectives said she engaged in unlawful conduct with a student and sent sexual images to minors. The district confirmed the educator, identified by investigators as Ashley Palmer, was later terminated.
Officials said the case moved quickly after school administrators reported concerns to police on Thursday, Dec. 18. Detectives with the Sevierville Police Department arrested Palmer the next day. The charges include statutory rape by an authority figure and aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, according to court filings. The district said it cooperated with law enforcement, first placing Palmer on leave and then ending her employment following the arrest. The case remains in early stages, with investigators still interviewing potential witnesses and reviewing digital evidence.
Detectives said they began looking into the allegations after the district flagged possible “inappropriate activity” involving a student. School officials connected potential witnesses with investigators and turned over information that may include messages and images, according to the district’s statement. Police identified Palmer as the suspect and booked her Friday. In a brief statement, Superintendent Stephanie Huskey said the school system acted “promptly” once leaders were notified and pledged continued cooperation with authorities as the investigation develops.
Court records list two counts of statutory rape by an authority figure and two counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. Investigators have not released the number of potential victims or the length of time the alleged conduct occurred. Authorities said the inquiry includes analysis of electronic communications recovered during the probe. The student named in the initial report has not been identified because of age. No plea has been entered publicly in the case, and a defense attorney was not listed as of Tuesday.
Sevier County Schools said Palmer was removed from classrooms immediately. Prior to her termination, the district placed her on administrative leave in line with personnel policy and state law. Sevierville police said additional charges are possible if evidence supports them. Detectives are expected to forward their findings to the Sevier County District Attorney General’s Office once initial interviews and forensic reviews are complete. An initial court appearance is expected this week, though a hearing date was not posted in online dockets as of Tuesday morning.
The arrest follows several recent Tennessee cases where educators faced criminal charges tied to students, prompting districts to emphasize rapid reporting and cooperation with police. In Sevier County, the district said it would share updates on staffing as needed and continue to assist investigators. Police asked anyone with relevant information to speak with detectives directly. Neighbors near the school described a visible law enforcement presence late last week as officers served warrants and collected evidence.
As of Tuesday, Palmer remained charged and the investigation was ongoing. Authorities said the next update is expected after the first court appearance and filing of formal charging documents.
Author note: Last updated December 23, 2025.