Nebraska Teacher Charged with Grooming and Trafficking a Student

A high school teacher in Nebraska faces serious charges after allegedly trying to groom and traffic a 16-year-old student for sexual activity with her boyfriend, including giving the girl $100 as hush money, according to authorities.

Elizabeth Jamie Love, 36, and her boyfriend Jarid “Jack” Krause, 43, were arrested on Friday following a report from a student about alarming behavior. The Holdrege police were informed about the situation, as detailed in the police reports.

In an affidavit, the teen recounted an incident where she was in Love’s car when Krause called, expressing a desire for sex with her, and Love suggested sharing her with him. This understandably made the girl uncomfortable, causing her to exit the vehicle and call someone for a ride home.

Later, on October 11, Love picked the girl up and drove her home, where the affidavit claims Krause made suggestive comments interpreted as proposals for sex. When the girl declined, she attempted to leave but was reportedly followed by Love in his car, who insisted on driving her home.

The documentation claims that Love later texted the girl, asking her to return for a discussion. Although she apologized, she allegedly urged the student to remain silent about the incident and handed over $100 in cash.

Moreover, the affidavit reveals that Love and Krause had been texting about the student since April, indicating they were assessing her interest.

In a subsequent statement to police, Love insisted the cash was not for silence but was intended for the girl to purchase a new phone.

Currently, both Love and Krause are charged with sex trafficking a minor, with an additional charge against Love for sexual grooming by an educator. She has been placed on administrative leave.

Each has a bail set at $250,000. If found guilty, they could face life imprisonment and be added to the state’s sex offender registry. Love has had a significant role in the Educational Services Unit-11, working as a transition coordinator and educator, visiting numerous schools across the region.

It’s been noted that Love and the student had previous interactions dating back to the girl’s seventh-grade year, and there were plans for the student to live with Love during the week to attend a different school.

John Poppart, an administrator with ESU-11, confirmed that Love was placed on leave as soon as the allegations emerged, stating, “ESU fully cooperated with the Holdrege Police Department’s investigation,” and emphasizing ongoing collaboration with law enforcement in this serious matter.