Jackson-Madison County Schools teacher arrested, charged with rape

JACKSON, Tenn. — A Jackson-Madison County Schools teacher was arrested Wednesday on a rape charge.

Courtesy of Madison County Sheriff’s Office

Clifford Wallis, teacher at Pope School in Jackson, was indicted on April 27 on a rape charge by the Grand Jurors of Madison County.

Wallis unlawfully sexually assaulted, by use of force, a minor of Pope School.

“On Monday, April 13, 2026, allegations of misconduct involving a teacher were reported to members of my administrative team. In keeping with district procedures, this information was shared with district leaders and the teacher was removed from our school on April 14, 2026,” said Tracey Vowell, principal at Pope School.

The school says the safety and well-being of students remain their top priority.

Wallis did not have a license to teach in Tennessee. He was on an active permit which is normally used in emergency situations to fill a vacant teacher position that schools can’t get filled immediately.

For the academic permit record, click here.

Read booking report and full indictment here.

For more local news, click here.