Karen Dunn, Ramey Elementary School Substitute Teacher Charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault and Improper Relationship with 4th Grade Student

Tyler, Texas – A former substitute teacher employed by Tyler Independent School District (TISD) was apprehended on Friday following accusations of inappropriate touching involving a fourth-grade student. Karen Dunn, a 48-year-old resident of Tyler, was taken into custody after an arrest warrant was issued.

According to the arrest warrant, Tyler ISD Police were summoned to Ramey Elementary School on May 16 in response to a report from a 10-year-old student. The child alleged that Dunn, who was serving as an In-School Suspension (ISS) substitute teacher, had engaged in inappropriate physical contact with her and three other students within the classroom.

Following the incident, the warrant revealed that the student approached her regular classroom teacher, claiming to be retrieving her phone charger. However, she confided in the teacher, stating, “[The student] came up to her desk and said, ‘The real reason I came here is to tell you what the ISS sub said to me. She was telling me about stuff I did not need to hear about.'”

Reportedly, Dunn disclosed details about her personal life, including activities involving her sister and boyfriend, to the student. Additionally, she allegedly provided the child with a piece of paper containing her name, address, and phone number, encouraging the student to visit her. Notably, the phone number provided was not registered with Tyler ISD.

Dunn had been working as a substitute teacher for TISD since 2016. The warrant stated that she was terminated on the same day the incident was reported by the child, following communication between a Tyler ISD Human Resources representative and Dunn via the phone number given to the student.

During questioning by Tyler ISD police, Dunn admitted to inviting the child to her residence but vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that “kids lie on teachers all the time.”

Subsequently, a warrant was issued on Friday for Dunn’s arrest on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child and improper relationship between a student and educator. The warrant highlighted that “video footage from the campus confirms [the student’s] accounts.”

As of Monday, Dunn remains in custody at Smith County Jail, with her bond set at $250,000. The legal proceedings regarding the charges against her will proceed accordingly.

Last Known Contact Information

Address: 227 N Parkdale Dr Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: 903-595-2077
Email: adunn0538@gmail.com

Arrest Information

Booking Number: B23-03147