Educator Sentenced to 14 Years for Sexual Abuse of Teen Inmate

A former Kentucky teacher, Elena Bardin, 27, has been handed a 14-year prison sentence following her conviction for serious misconduct involving a juvenile inmate. The mother of one was found guilty of first-degree sexual abuse and unlawful transaction with a minor by a jury, Court TV reports.

Bardin taught English at the Adair County Juvenile Detention Center when she engaged in an explicit sexual relationship with a 17-year-old boy in her care.

The inappropriate relationship came to light in April when a routine search of the troubled teen’s room uncovered a significant cache: approximately 193 sexually explicit letters and photos allegedly sent to him by Bardin.

During sentencing, Circuit Judge Samuel Spalding highlighted the shocking nature of the correspondence, noting that Bardin had admitted to sexual contact with the inmate in one of the letters. “The letters you sent… they were things you’d see in a triple-x movie, and completely inappropriate,” the judge stated, emphasizing the betrayal of trust for someone in an educational role.

Ignoring Warnings

The court also heard testimony from Bardin’s supervisor, who confirmed that she had been specifically warned to cease contact and end the relationship with the teen. Judge Spalding noted that instead of heeding this advice, Bardin appeared to have “doubled down on the behavior,” calling this failure to stop particularly concerning.

While Bardin was also accused of soliciting the teen to murder her husband, the jury ultimately acquitted her of that specific charge.

The judge concluded that the illicit relationship was essentially a “way to kill time while he was locked up.” In addition to her prison term, the former educator is required to register as a sex offender for 20 years.

What are your thoughts on this case and the sentence handed down?