LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – A teacher at a Jefferson County elementary school has been arrested for having sexual conversations with a 5th grade student,
A Louisville Metro police arrest citation says Sydnee Graf, 36, is a 5th grade math teacher and was having the conversations with the student while JCPS was on a Non-Traditional Instruction day.
The citation states that detectives were able to review the conversations between Graf and the juvenile and the screen shots and video recordings showed images of Graf and displayed her name in one corner.
Police said the conversations discussed oral sodomy and that Graf made arrangements to meet the juvenile. She was arrested Dec. 15 while picking up the juvenile, who is under the age of 12, near his home.
According to police, after being given her Miranda Rights, Graf admitted to having previous conversation with the juvenile.
During her Dec. 16 arraignment, the court entered a not guilty plea for Graf and kept her bond at $100,000 cash. If the bond is posted, Graf will be placed in the home incarceration program.
Graf is listed as a teacher at Smyrna Elementary School on the school’s website.
JCPS sent following letter to parents of Smyrna Elementary students.
December 16, 2025
Dear Smyrna Elementary School families,
The safety of our students is our top priority and we always want to keep you informed, to the best of our ability, about what’s going on at our school.
We have been made aware that the Crimes Against Children’s Unit (CACU), JCPS PD, and LMPD are investigating an allegation involving one of our staff members.
Following JCPS protocols, the staff member will be reassigned and will not have contact with students during the investigation. Because this is an active investigation, I cannot disclose anything more at this time.
We know situations like this can cause anxiety for students and families. Our mental health team is always available. If you feel your student would benefit from talking with our mental health practitioner or counselor, please let us know.
Thank you for your continued support of Smyrna Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Amanda Cooper
Principal
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