The first arrest under Kentucky's new anti‑grooming law involved 25‑year‑old Sadie M. Flores, a Graves County Middle School teacher, who was charged with a Class D felony after investigators reviewed messages and late‑night FaceTime calls with a 14‑year‑old student. School officials reported the allegation and detectives seized electronic records before questioning and arresting Flores. The sheriff says the probe is ongoing; no court date or plea has been announced.
Kentucky Teacher First Arrested Under New Anti‑Grooming Law After Alleged Messages With 14‑Year‑Old
Sadie Flores/Facebook and Graves County Sheriff's Office/Facebook
A new Kentucky statute designed to prevent sexual abuse before it occurs has produced its first arrest after local authorities charged a Graves County middle school teacher with grooming a minor.
Sadie Flores/Facebook
Allegations and Arrest
Local NBC affiliate WPSD reported that 25‑year‑old Sadie M. Flores of Mayfield was arrested and charged with grooming a minor, a Class D felony under the law that took effect on July 15. Flores had been employed at Graves County Middle School.
Sadie Flores/Facebook
Investigation Details
School officials alerted the Graves County Sheriff’s Office after receiving a complaint, and detectives subsequently seized electronic records and conducted interviews. Investigators questioned Flores on August 6, and she was arrested and booked the same day into the Graves County Restricted Custody Center before being transferred to an out‑of‑county detention facility.
Graves County Sheriff's Office
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. We have since been informed that, as a result of that investigation, charges have been filed against this teacher. — Matt Madding, Graves County Schools Superintendent
Alleged Conduct
According to a citation reviewed by WPSD, investigators allege Flores "attempted to manipulate the minor and expressed feelings of love and admiration more so than just a student‑teacher relationship." Reporting by the Daily Mail says the complaint began when a parent of a 14‑year‑old reviewed their child’s phone and found messages between the student and Flores. Authorities say investigators later reviewed those messages and concluded they were not related to legitimate school business.
The same parent reportedly discovered FaceTime calls that took place multiple times during late evening hours, and officials say Flores communicated with the student across several social media platforms.
Next Steps
Sheriff Jon Hayden has said the investigation is ongoing. It was not immediately clear when Flores will next appear in court, and officials have not confirmed whether she has entered a plea. As with any criminal matter, the charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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