Former Covington teacher accused of raping student appears in court [Video]

COVINGTON, Tenn. (WMC) – A former Covington teacher indicted on more than 20 counts of sex-related charges was in court Monday.

Monday afternoon’s hearing had nothing to do with the facts or the sex allegations against 39-year-old Alissa McCommon.

Instead, one of her defense attorneys said the hearing was only to discuss McCommon’s finances and if she could afford to continue funding the case.

While chained and shackled, McCommon took the stand to talk to the judge about her finances.

She said she has ownership and equity in a retirement account from the Tipton County School Board but doesn’t know how much is in there.

One of her defense attorneys, Jason Ballinger, asked the judge to consider declaring McCommon “indigent,” meaning she can’t adequately fund her defense.

The state requested that the court examine her expenses and phone calls, also mentioning that McCommon’s house is up for sale, and after it sells, it …