At a Glance
- A 36-year-old 5th-grade math teacher faces rape, sodomy, and unlawful transaction charges after a December arrest.
- Bail is set at $500,000, and she is back in custody.
- A grand jury hearing is scheduled for early next week.
Why it matters: The case highlights the legal consequences of teacher-student misconduct and the swift escalation of charges when new evidence emerges.
Sydnee Graf, a married mother of two, was arrested in December after prosecutors uncovered a series of sexual conversations with a 5th-grade student. The initial charges involved procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means and possession of a controlled substance. This week, court filings added far more severe accusations, including rape of a child under 12, sodomy of a child under 12, and an unlawful transaction with a minor under 16.
Background of the Arrest
Louisville Metro Police received a tip from Jefferson County Public Schools about a teacher allegedly exploiting a juvenile victim. Police learned that a 5th-grade math teacher had engaged in sexual conversations with a 5th-grade student. Investigators obtained the alleged conversations, which included a statement from the teacher about wanting to taste the student’s mouth. The teacher allegedly arranged to meet the student on December 15; police were waiting and arrested her at the time of the meeting.
After being read her Miranda rights, the teacher allegedly admitted to the conversation. A search warrant on her vehicle yielded pills later identified as hydrocodone and Adderall, according to court records. She was booked into jail and later released on bail.
New Charges Filed
The additional charges were all filed this week in Jefferson County Court. They are:
- Rape of a child under 12
- Sodomy of a child under 12
- Unlawful transaction with a minor under 16
These charges were added after the discovery of the conversations and the alleged arrangement to meet the student. The case is expected to be presented to a grand jury early next week.
Legal Proceedings and Bail
Graf is now back in custody after the latest arrest. Her bail has been set at $500,000. If she posts bail, she will not be allowed to have any contact with the alleged victim or any minors, unless supervised. Her attorney did not respond to requests for comment.
The court documents do not provide details about the new charges, but the filing indicates that the prosecution believes the evidence supports a more serious level of criminal conduct.
Court Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 15 | Arrest for sexual conversation with a minor |
| December | Initial charges: procuring/promoting use of a minor by electronic means; possession of controlled substance |
| This week | Filing of rape, sodomy, and unlawful transaction charges |
| Early next week | Scheduled grand jury hearing |
Additional Context
Years before her arrest, Graf posted a response on social media to a tweet from Hillary Clinton that criticized President Donald Trump for attacking the late Senator John McCain. In the reply, Graf wrote, “Not you. Pedophile.” The post was unrelated to the current case but drew public attention to her online activity.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline remains available for anyone who believes they have been sexually assaulted. The hotline number is 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), and additional resources can be found at rainn.org.
Key Takeaways
- A teacher’s alleged sexual conversations with a minor can lead to escalating charges.
- Bail is set at a high amount and includes restrictions on contact with minors.
- The case will be reviewed by a grand jury early next week.
The unfolding legal process underscores the seriousness with which courts treat teacher-student sexual misconduct, especially when new evidence surfaces.
