A teacher from Holdreage, Nebraska, along with her boyfriend, has been arrested over suspicions of sex trafficking a high school student. Police reports indicate that 36-year-old Elizabeth Jamie Love and 43-year-old Jarrid “Jack” Krause each face a charge of sex trafficking a minor. Love is additionally charged with sexual grooming related to her role as a school employee.
The arrests followed a warrant and a criminal complaint issued by the Phelps County Attorney’s Office, prompted by a police investigation. This investigation started when a student, whom Love taught as a transition coordinator, reported inappropriate interactions with the couple.
Love also works with students who are deaf or hard of hearing in the Educational Services Unit 11, covering several southern Nebraska schools. According to details in the affidavit, authorities received a report on October 14 about potential sexual abuse concerning a 16-year-old student.
During a forensic interview, the student disclosed that they had known Love since seventh grade and formed a close relationship that included discussions beyond typical educational interactions. There were also plans for the student to stay at Love’s home on weekends to attend a different school district, and they communicated through various platforms outside of school.
In one instance, the student was in Love’s car when Krause called her. He expressed a desire to have sexual relations with Love, to which she reportedly responded that she would be “happy to share.” Feeling uncomfortable, the student asked her aunt for a ride home.
On October 11, Love allegedly took the student to her house, where Krause attempted to make sexual advances, which the student refused. Surveillance footage later confirmed the student walking home while Love followed in her vehicle.
Investigative efforts also revealed messages from Love urging the student to keep quiet, offering $100 disguised as a gift for a phone. Love claimed the money wasn’t intended as hush money, further stating it was merely a gesture to assist the student.
Moreover, records showed discussions between Love and Krause about grooming students, characterized by a certain “code phrase,” along with implications about possibly fostering a deeper relationship with a young girl. Krause expressed in messages a wish to find someone who would appreciate them, to which Love pondered the logistics of foster care.
Both individuals are currently held at the Phelps County Jail with a cash bond of $250,000 each, without an option for surety. If found guilty, they could face life sentences and mandatory registration on the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry.
The ongoing investigation has yet to uncover any additional inappropriate interactions involving current or former students. Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to reach out to the Holdreage Police Department.
