FLORENCE, Ky. -- A former teacher at R.A. Jones Middle School is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old female who was a former student, according to the Florence Police Department.
Police said Kendra D. Caldwell, 27, was arrested Monday on charges of sexual abuse and prohibited use of an electronic communication system to procure a minor.
Caldwell, of Cincinnati, was a dance and physical education teacher at the Florence middle school, according to a page on the school's website.
Police said the relationship began when the student was 13 years old and attending R.A. Jones Middle School. The student is now attending high school, and police said the relationship was still ongoing.
Captain Tom Grau of the Florence Police Department said she was arrested when she was on her way to work Monday.
"Anytime you have a situation where there is a crime committed against a juvenile and it’s by an adult that you have you and your family has a trust with, then obviously it’s very devastating,” Grau said.
Police are still investigating, but they do not believe there are other student victims at this time.
“This may be probably more of an isolated incident, and there’s not any more victims but that doesn’t mean there isn’t,” Grau said.
Kathy Reutman, executive director of Student and Community Service of Boone County Schools, said they hired Caldwell three years ago, and until now have not had any issues.
“It’s always a shock if you hear one of your colleagues and someone you respected that something has occurred,” Reutman said.
Chad Brady, media systems coordinator for R.A. Jones Middle School, said in an email that Caldwell is no longer an employee, and she resigned prior to being charged.
The school’s principal sent an “all-call” to notify the R.A. Jones Middle School community Friday morning.
“We did that because we have to follow and make sure there’s a good integrity of the investigation," Reutman said.
Caldwell is being held at the Boone County Detention Center, and police said she does not have a criminal record.
“Our number one concern is for that 14-year-old young lady and her family," Grau said.
