Former McCook Teacher Sentenced to Jail and Probation in Case Involving Minor

McCOOK, Neb. — A former McCook Junior High social studies teacher was sentenced Thursday in Red Willow County Court following a monthslong investigation into inappropriate contact with a minor.

Deon J. Allen, 34, was sentenced by Judge Anne Paine to 30 days in the Red Willow County Jail and 24 months of intensive supervised probation. Allen entered a plea of no contest to a charge of contributing to the delinquency of a child, a Class I misdemeanor.

The legal proceedings stem from allegations that surfaced in July 2025. According to court records and a related protection order, Allen was accused of using Spotify's messaging platform to maintain secret communication with a student. The messages reportedly became romantic in nature, and Allen allegedly encouraged the minor to meet him at a local skate park. When the student attempted to end the communication, Allen reportedly indicated he was unable to stop.

Allen was originally charged in August 2025 and had previously maintained a plea of not guilty. His change of plea to no contest on March 12, 2026, averted a jury trial that had been scheduled for early February.

In addition to his jail time and two-year probation term, Allen was ordered to pay $690 in various court costs and probation fees.