Hannibal Middle School teacher charged with sodomy, child molestation, sexual contact with student

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Amy Jo Allen, 27, of Hannibal was arrested Wednesday by detectives with the Hannibal Police Department after having inappropriate conduct with a student.

The 10th Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County issued an arrest warrant for Allen, a paraprofessional at Hannibal Middle School. She is charged with second degree statutory sodomy, child molestation and sexual contact with a student. Her bond is set at $50,000 cash only. 

Superintendent Susan Johnson said in a news release the Hannibal School District received information on May 26 suggesting that a district employee could be inappropriately involved with a district student. Those concerns were reported to the Division of Family Services Hotline and the Hannibal Police Department. District officials immediately began an investigation in cooperation with the Hannibal Police Department. 

Allen was immediately placed on a leave of absence. The release noted she has since had no contact with students. 

Johnson said a full background check with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Missouri Children’s Division was conducted when Allen was hired. Allen’s employment was terminated Wednesday.

“We are saddened that a district employee may have violated the trust placed in them to interact with our students,” Johnson said in the release. “The (School) Board and its staff place the safety and welfare of district students as its highest priority.”

Allen remains in the Marion County Jail and is schedule for a Friday court appearance.