Kentucky middle school teacher accused of crossing the line with student, arrested under new anti-grooming law
A Kentucky middle school teacher is facing serious criminal charges after allegations involving a student exposed conduct that crossed the line from inappropriate to criminal, according to authorities.
Sadie M. Flores, 25, of Mayfield, was arrested Friday afternoon and charged with grooming a minor, a Class D felony under a Kentucky law that took effect just weeks ago on July 15.
According to the Graves County Sheriff's Office, Flores, an employee at Graves County Middle School, is accused of having an improper relationship with a minor student in the district.
The allegations were first reported to Graves County Schools, whose administrators immediately notified the Graves County Sheriff's Office, prompting a criminal investigation.
Detectives said the investigation included the seizure of electronic records, interviews and other investigative measures. Flores was interviewed Friday afternoon before being taken into custody around 3:30 p.m.
She was booked into the Graves County Restricted Custody Center before later being transferred to an out-of-county detention facility.
Sheriff Jon Hayden said the investigation remains ongoing.
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Graves County Schools Superintendent Matt Madding said district leaders immediately contacted law enforcement after learning of the allegations.
"District administration was made aware of an allegation involving a teacher at Graves County Middle School. School officials immediately reported this information to the Graves County Sheriff's Department for investigation," Madding said in a statement.
"We have since been informed that, as a result of that investigation, charges have been filed against this teacher."
Because the investigation and personnel matter remain ongoing, Madding said the district is limited in what it can publicly discuss but emphasized that student safety remains its top priority.
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"We take any allegation involving the safety of a child or the professional conduct of an employee extremely seriously and will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the appropriate authorities," he said.
The grooming charge stems from a Kentucky law that took effect July 15, creating a new felony offense aimed at adults accused of cultivating inappropriate relationships with minors before sexual abuse occurs.
Authorities have not released additional details about the alleged relationship, the student's age, or whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.