Crime
Criminal Charges Filed Against Utah Educator Alisha Marie George in Alleged Grooming and Sexual Abuse Case
West Jordan, Utah—A middle school teacher from West Jordan, identified as Alisha Marie George, 40, of Eagle Mountain, is currently facing a comprehensive slate of criminal charges stemming from allegations of grooming and sexual abuse involving a former male student.
The allegations suggest the defendant leveraged her position of trust, with the victim reportedly viewing her as a “mother figure.”
The defendant, who is married, was formally charged on Thursday in 3rd District Court with twenty-two separate counts, predominantly felonies.
These charges include:
- Four (4) counts of Forcible Sodomy (First-degree felony)
- One (1) count of Attempted Rape (First-degree felony)
- Twelve (12) counts of Forcible Sexual Abuse (Second-degree felony)
- One (1) count of Distributing Pornographic Material (Third-degree felony)
- Four (4) counts of Unlawful Kissing of a Minor (Class A misdemeanor)
At the time of her arrest, Ms. George was employed at Hawthorn Academy (9062 S. 2200 West) as an honors language arts teacher and the volleyball coach.
Prosecutors assert that Ms. George utilized her role and relationship with the victim’s family to initiate and engage in sexual conduct with the minor male between December 2023 and July 2024.
The victim initially met Ms. George when he was 12 years old and attending the school.
The charging documents outline that by December 2023, the victim’s mother and Ms. George had developed a close friendship.
The alleged abuse reportedly commenced over the Christmas break in December 2023, when the victim was 13.
The relationship intensified in the subsequent months. In February 2024, following a surgery the victim’s mother underwent, Ms. George allegedly offered substantial assistance, including providing transportation and care.
During this time, she would reportedly drive the student home and visit the house to play video games with him.
The victim described his bond with Ms. George to law enforcement as “tight,” stating he considered her a “mother figure” who was “always there for him.” The inappropriate contact is reported to have escalated from touching and kissing to sexual activity, occurring in various locations, including Ms. George’s vehicle, her residence, and the victim’s home.
The sexual contact reportedly ceased in July 2024.
Charging documents indicate that the defendant allegedly warned the victim “not to tell anyone,” leading the minor to feel he was “at the point of no return” and that they were “in a relationship.”
The victim further noted that Ms. George would allegedly express anger if he interacted with other female students at school.
The boy later referred to the teacher as a “monster,” explaining that she had exploited him during a period when he was particularly vulnerable and in need of support.
The victim asserted that he blocked Ms. George on all social media accounts after she texted him on his 2024 birthday, explicitly instructing her not to text him again.
Following Ms. George’s arrest, investigators reported that “multiple students” subsequently contacted the police department, alleging they had either been groomed by the defendant or had witnessed her inappropriate behavior with students.
Prosecutors have indicated that additional victims have since come forward, suggesting the distinct possibility of subsequent charges being filed in this case.
Ms. George’s initial court appearance is scheduled for December 9th.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.