Kentucky teacher first charged under grooming law

A Kentucky middle school teacher has become the first person charged under the state’s new grooming law after police say a parent’s complaint led to an investigation at Graves County Middle School. Sadie Flores, 25, was arrested Friday and charged with grooming a minor, according to authorities.

Flores, who works at Graves County Middle School, was taken into custody at her workplace. Police said the case began after the accused student’s parents raised concerns. A citation cited by WPSD says Flores allegedly tried to manipulate the minor and showed feelings of love and admiration that went beyond a normal student-teacher relationship.

Investigators have not publicly identified the student’s age, but reporting in the Mail said school board officials were contacted by the parent of a 14-year-old. The parent allegedly found texts between Flores and the child that were not for a legitimate purpose and were not related to school. Deputies also said Flores and the student met in secret before a school function outside school, and that the parents did not know about late-night FaceTime calls.

Flores’ personal life has also drawn attention. She is married to David, a machine operator, and became a mother last year after giving birth to a daughter. In July 2024, she wrote on Facebook that she and her husband were grateful God had chosen them to be parents. She also shared photos of her daughter in front of church signs in the weeks before her arrest.