A Kentucky elementary school teacher, initially arrested over alleged sexually explicit online communications with a pupil, is now confronting significantly more serious criminal allegations that have dramatically escalated the legal proceedings against her.
Expanded Charges in Jefferson County Court
Sydnee Graf, a 36-year-old married mother of two who worked as a fifth-grade mathematics teacher, has been charged with rape of a child under the age of 12, sodomy of a child under the age of 12, and unlawful transaction with a minor under 16. These new charges were formally filed in Jefferson County Court, substantially broadening the scope of a case that originated with accusations of inappropriate digital contact during periods of remote education.
Initial Arrest and Investigation Details
Graf was first taken into custody in December, facing charges of procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means alongside possession of a controlled substance. The Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed they were alerted by Jefferson County Public Schools concerning the suspected exploitation of a juvenile victim by one of its educators.
Court documents reveal that investigators discovered a fifth-grade math teacher had engaged in sexual conversations with a fifth-grade student. Detectives reportedly obtained messages allegedly exchanged between Graf and the child, who was under 12 years old. One particularly graphic message cited in the records includes an explicit reference to oral sex, where the suspect is alleged to have told the child, 'I really need to taste that d***, frfr.'
Evidence and Alleged Meeting Plans
Authorities state the messages were sent during an online learning day and included plans to meet the child near their home after school to perform depraved acts. Investigators claim to possess both screenshot evidence and video recordings of the conversations, which allegedly show the predator's face and name in the top left corner of the computer screen.
Police report that Graf later arranged to meet the child on December 15. When she arrived at the designated location, officers were waiting and took her into custody. After being read her Miranda rights, Graf allegedly admitted to having the explicit conversations, according to an arrest citation. A subsequent search of her vehicle led to the recovery of pills later identified as hydrocodone and Adderall.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Following her initial arrest, Graf was booked into jail and later released. However, with the new charges, she is now back in custody. Her bail was originally set at $100,000 but has been increased to $500,000 following the additional allegations. Court documents related to the latest filings do not detail the specific allegations underlying the rape and sodomy charges but indicate the case is expected to be presented to a grand jury early next week.
In a separate filing dated January 20, Graf was indicted on charges of first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy with a victim under 12, unlawful transaction with a minor, and possession of a controlled substance. She entered a not guilty plea last week, with her next court appearance scheduled for Monday.
School District Response and Reassignment
Jefferson County Public Schools confirmed Graf is a math teacher at Smyrna Elementary. The district stated she has been reassigned to duties that do not involve contact with students while the investigation continues. Principal Amanda Cooper issued a statement saying, 'Following JCPS protocols, the staff members will be reassigned and will not have contact with students during the investigation. Because this is an active investigation, I cannot disclose anything more. We know situations like this can cause anxiety for students and families.'
Release Conditions and Social Media History
As part of her release conditions, Graf has been ordered to have no internet access other than her phone and no unsupervised contact with minors. Years before her arrest, Graf had posted publicly on social media in response to a tweet from Hillary Clinton criticising President Donald Trump over his attacks on the late Senator John McCain. Responding to Clinton, Graf wrote, 'Not you. Pedophile.' This post has resurfaced online as the criminal case against her unfolds.
If Graf posts bail, authorities have stated she will be prohibited from having any contact with the alleged victim or with minors unless supervised. The Daily Mail has reached out to Smyrna Elementary in Louisville, Kentucky for additional comment.
