Louisville Teacher Charged Over Alleged Sexual Conversations With Student

Teacher Arrested in Louisville on Allegations Involving Student

On Monday in Louisville, Kentucky, Louisville Metro Police arrested 36-year-old Sydnee Graf, a fifth-grade math teacher at Smyrna Elementary School in Jefferson County Public Schools, on allegations that she had sexual conversations with a fifth-grade student.

Alleged Conduct During Remote Learning Day

An arrest citation states that Graf engaged in sexual conversations with the student during a remote learning day. Police reported that the communications included discussion of oral sodomy and that Graf planned to meet the student, who is under 12 years old.

Arrest Circumstances and Police Statements

Louisville Metro Police said officers arrested Graf on Monday while she was picking up the child near his home. According to police, Graf admitted to having previous conversations with the boy. Authorities identified the student as a fifth-grader and confirmed that he is under the age of 12.

Court Proceedings and Bond Conditions

Graf appeared in court for an arraignment on Tuesday. During that hearing, the court entered a not guilty plea on her behalf. The court set her bond at $100,000 cash and decided to keep it at that amount. The court also stated that if the bond is posted, Graf will be placed in the home incarceration program.

School Response and Staff Reassignment

Amanda Cooper, principal of Smyrna Elementary School, notified parents in a letter that Graf will be reassigned during the investigation. Cooper stated that Graf will not have contact with students while the investigation is ongoing. In the same letter, Cooper said that student safety is the school’s top priority.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into the alleged sexual conversations between Graf and the student is continuing. Graf remains subject to the court-ordered bond conditions and the school’s reassignment decision while the case proceeds.