A former high school teacher in Rhode Island is facing criminal charges after police say she developed an inappropriate relationship with a student that began while he was still in school.
Alisha Crins, 39, a former physical education teacher at Ponaganset High School in Glocester, was charged on February 27 with two counts of third-degree sexual assault. Authorities say the charges stem from conduct that allegedly occurred during her time teaching at the school.
The investigation began after a former student filed a complaint with police several months after graduating in 2025. According to a police affidavit obtained by WPRI Channel 12, the student told investigators the relationship began when he was a sophomore and Crins was his gym teacher.
Police say Crins began contacting the student through text messages after reportedly obtaining his phone number online. Initially, she asked if he would be interested in helping her with some work while she was on summer break, though the plan never materialized.
Despite that, the two continued communicating through text messages and social media.
According to investigators, the tone of the messages changed over time. The student told police that during his junior year the teacher began making personal remarks and complimenting his appearance.
Authorities say the communication eventually led to meetings outside of school.
According to the affidavit, the student reported meeting Crins in her neighborhood on more than one occasion. During those encounters, the two allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct while the student was still under 18.
Investigators also reported that the student showed police images and videos that the teacher had sent him while he was still a minor. Additional material was allegedly sent after the student turned 18.
The former student told investigators that the relationship did not progress beyond those encounters.
When questioned by police, Crins reportedly acknowledged that the two had communicated and had discussed continuing the relationship once the student was legally an adult. She told investigators that the relationship ultimately did not continue and that she later asked the student to stop contacting her because she was both his teacher and married.
However, the former student reported the matter to authorities months after graduating from the school.
Crins is scheduled to appear in court on March 18 for her arraignment on the charges.
A school official confirmed that she no longer works for the district.
