On Dec. 15, 36-year-old Sydnee Graf, a fifth-grade math teacher in Louisville, was arrested after school officials reported alleged sexual online conversations with a student under 12 during virtual class. Police say screenshots and video recordings show the teacher's image and name and include explicit messages; investigators allege she arranged to meet the child and was detained while picking the juvenile up. Graf allegedly admitted to the conversations after being read her rights; a not guilty plea was entered at her Dec. 16 arraignment and bond was set at $100,000 cash. The teacher has been reassigned and barred from student contact while the probe continues.
Louisville Fifth-Grade Teacher Arrested After Alleged Sexual Online Conversations With Student Under 12
jefferson county sheriff's departmentSydnee Graf mugshot
A fifth-grade math teacher in Louisville has been arrested after school officials alerted police that she allegedly engaged in sexual conversations with a student during virtual instruction and later went to the child's home, authorities say.
Arrest and Charges
On Dec. 15, Louisville Metro Police took into custody 36-year-old Sydnee Graf, a teacher in the Jefferson County Public Schools system. She faces a charge of procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means, according to an arrest citation obtained by media outlets.
Allegations and Evidence
Detectives say school officials notified them about alleged exploitation of a juvenile who was under 12 at the time of the alleged conduct. The citation states the inappropriate exchanges occurred during a "non-traditional workday" when classes were held virtually. Investigators reviewed screenshots and video recordings that they say show images of the suspect and her name displayed in the video interface.
The citation alleges the messages included explicit references to oral sex, including a quoted line attributed to the suspect: "I really need to taste that d--- Fr Fr." Detectives also say the suspect arranged to meet the student on Dec. 15.
Detention and Court Proceedings
Police allege Graf was apprehended while picking up the juvenile "from the area of his residence." The citation says that after being advised of her Miranda rights, she admitted to the conversations described in the report. At her arraignment on Dec. 16, a not guilty plea was entered on her behalf and bond was set at $100,000 cash. She was remanded to the Louisville Metro Detention Center; online jail records at the time of reporting did not clearly indicate whether she remained in custody or had been released.
School Response and Support Resources
Smyrna Elementary School principal Amanda Cooper informed parents in a letter that Graf has been reassigned and will have no contact with students while the investigation is ongoing. It was not immediately clear whether Graf had retained legal counsel who could comment on the allegations.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, help is available. Text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected with a certified crisis counselor.
Note: These are allegations. The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and the investigation remains ongoing.
