Kentucky Middle School Teacher Arrested Under New Grooming Statute

Sadie M. Flores, 25, of Mayfield, Kentucky, was taken into custody Friday afternoon and faces a Class D felony charge of grooming a minor. The arrest came after the Graves County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into allegations that Flores, employed at Graves County Middle School, engaged in an improper relationship with a student in the district.

School administrators at Graves County Middle School reported the allegations to law enforcement immediately upon learning of the matter. Detectives conducted a thorough probe that included electronic records seizure, witness interviews, and other investigative procedures before Flores was questioned and arrested around 3:30 p.m. Friday.

The charges against Flores fall under a Kentucky statute that became law on July 15, establishing a new felony offense targeting adults who cultivate inappropriate relationships with minors prior to sexual abuse. Flores was booked at the Graves County Restricted Custody Center and subsequently transferred to a detention facility outside the county.

Graves County Schools Superintendent Matt Madding said the district takes all allegations regarding child safety and employee conduct with utmost seriousness and pledged continued cooperation with law enforcement. Sheriff Jon Hayden indicated the investigation remains active, with authorities declining to disclose the student’s age, specifics of the alleged relationship, or whether additional charges may follow.