Disturbing Allegations Against Nebraska Teacher

Recent text messages have surfaced, allegedly revealing a chilling strategy by a high school teacher in Nebraska and her boyfriend to groom and sex traffic a 16-year-old student.

On Friday, police announced the arrests of 36-year-old Elizabeth Jamie Love and her boyfriend, 42-year-old Jarid “Jack” Krause.

The Phelps County Attorney’s Office has charged both individuals with one count of sex trafficking of a minor, categorized as a class IB felony. Love also faces charges for sexual grooming, which falls under Class IV felonies for school employees.

If found guilty, they could face life imprisonment and mandatory registration as sex offenders in Nebraska.

Both Love and Krause have been booked into the Phelps County Jail, with each being held on a $250,000 cash bail.

For several years, Love worked as a transition coordinator and educator within the Division of Educational Services, visiting around 15 schools across south-central Nebraska.

The investigation commenced after a current high school student, whom Love mentored, reported inappropriate interactions with the couple over several weeks.

Police noted that communication between Love and the boy included text messages, Facebook Messenger, and a private email account, not associated with the school.

According to the affidavit, the girl described a “close relationship” with Love, stating they discussed personal matters extensively. She also reported that she planned to move in with Love to attend school in a different district.

In a concerning incident, the girl was in Love’s car when Krause expressed a desire to be intimate with her. The conversation made the student so uncomfortable that she asked her aunt to pick her up during their outing to the state fair.

Further details from the Oct. 11 incident describe how Love took the girl to her home, where Krause led the girl upstairs to a bedroom and made inappropriate sexual advances. The girl refused and asked him to leave.

Afterward, Love allegedly apologized to the girl, urging her not to inform anyone and gave her $100 in cash, which Love later claimed was a gift to help the girl purchase a new cellphone.

Text messages disclosed in the affidavit indicate that the couple had discussed the student as early as April and made propositions for sex in August, even considering “code phrases” to gauge the student’s interest.

In one particular exchange, Krause noted the hope of finding someone who would appreciate them for who they are, while Love inquired if they should begin foster care paperwork, highlighting the risks involved.

As the investigation continues, Phelps County’s law enforcement, alongside various supporting agencies, is committed to uncovering any additional evidence or interactions that may point to further misconduct.

Anyone with information related to this situation is encouraged to contact the Holdreage Police Department.