High School Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault of Student

Alisha Crins, a 39-year-old former physical education teacher at Ponaganset High School in Glocester, Rhode Island, has been charged with two counts of third-degree sexual assault. The charges stem from allegations made by a former student, who reported that Crins engaged in inappropriate conduct, including sending explicit messages and photos, as well as kissing him on multiple occasions. The student, who was 15 years old at the time of the initial contact, filed a formal complaint with the Rhode Island State Police in October 2025, prompting a criminal investigation.

Ponaganset teacher who admitted kissing student but not having sex charged wNew York Post

According to court documents, Crins began sending flirtatious messages to the student after finding his phone number online. The communication escalated to include nude photos and videos once the student turned 18. The student reported that Crins kissed him twice, including one incident where she allegedly straddled him in the back of his car. Crins admitted to sending explicit images and engaging in kissing but denied any further physical contact, stating that they never had sexual intercourse.

Ponaganset teacher who admitted kissing student but not having sex charged w

Alisha Crins previously worked in the North Smithfield School District and was involved in the health and fitness/EMT career and technical education program at Ponaganset High School. Following the allegations, she resigned from her position and is no longer employed by the Foster-Glocester Regional School District. Crins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education/Fitness from Rhode Island College.

Ponaganset teacher who admitted kissing student but not having sex charged w

Foster-Glocester Superintendent Dr. Renee Palazzo confirmed that Crins was no longer employed in the district as of October 2025. The school district has not released further comments regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.

New York Post

The case has drawn attention to the responsibilities of educators in maintaining professional boundaries with students. Critics argue that the allegations highlight a troubling trend of inappropriate relationships between teachers and students, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of minors in educational settings.

Ponaganset teacher who admitted kissing student but not having sex charged w

Crins is scheduled for arraignment on March 18, 2026. The outcome of this case will likely have implications for policies regarding teacher conduct and student safety in schools.

Ponaganset teacher who admitted kissing student but not having sex charged w

• “‘I can’t believe I’m going to do this … You can’t tell anybody,” — Alisha Crins, as reported by the student.

New York Post