A Nebraska educator and wrestling coach is confronting the possibility of a two-decade prison sentence following allegations of an intimate relationship with a former student that commenced on the very day she graduated from high school.
Investigation Uncovers Extensive Communication
Cody Pester, a 26-year-old sixth-grade teacher at Palmyra Junior-Senior High School, was taken into custody in late January after an inquiry by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office revealed the purported connection. According to police reports, Pester and the 18-year-old graduate began exchanging text messages on May 10, 2025—her graduation day.
Authorities state that the pair exchanged approximately 13,000 text messages between May 10 and August 8. It is believed they had initially met at a sporting event prior to the commencement of their messaging.
Relationship Allegedly Turned Sexual
Chief Deputy Ben Houchin disclosed during a press conference that by July 18, the relationship is alleged to have become sexual in nature. Upon his arrest, Pester reportedly waived his Fifth Amendment rights and confessed to having sexual relations with the former student about six times during that month.
Although the young woman was legally an adult, Nebraska state law explicitly prohibits teachers from engaging in intimate relationships with students within 90 days of their graduation. This legal provision is central to the charges brought against Pester.
School District's Response and Immediate Actions
The sheriff's office became aware of the alleged situation in late December 2025. Investigators conducted an interview with the former student on January 23, though the source of the initial tip to authorities remains unclear. The graduate reportedly informed investigators that she and Pester had sexual encounters several times in July and August 2025.
Pester was arrested three days after the interview. Initially held on a $100,000 bond, this was subsequently reduced to $10,000, leading to his release. The school district acted swiftly upon learning of the arrest, immediately removing Pester from all his teaching and coaching responsibilities.
Communication with Parents and Support Services
In response to the incident, the school district issued a letter to parents, stating: "We are writing to inform you that Cody Pester, a sixth-grade teacher at Palmyra Junior/Senior High School, was arrested this morning on suspicion of an inappropriate relationship with a former student."
The notice continued, "Upon receiving this information, the District immediately removed Mr Pester from all classroom and extracurricular duties, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they continue to conduct their investigation."
Recognising the potential impact on the school community, the district emphasised that counselling and support services would be made available to students at the high school who might require them in the coming days. Families were encouraged to contact school administrators with any additional concerns.
Serious Legal Charges and Potential Consequences
Cody Pester has been formally charged with sexual abuse by a school official—a serious accusation that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment. The case highlights the strict legal boundaries governing educator-student relationships, even after a student's graduation.
The school district and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office have been approached for further comment regarding the ongoing investigation and the specific circumstances surrounding the allegations.
