A former teacher at the Adair County Juvenile Detention Center in Kentucky, Elena Bardin, 27, was sentenced last Thursday to 14 years in prison after being convicted of sexual abuse and unlawful transaction with a minor. Bardin, who had worked as an English teacher at the facility, was found guilty of engaging in explicit sexual conduct with a 17-year-old male inmate.
The investigation into Bardin’s conduct began in April after a routine search of the teen’s room revealed approximately 193 sexually explicit letters and photos that Bardin had sent to the inmate. The discovery led to a thorough investigation, which ultimately revealed the inappropriate nature of their relationship.
Judge Highlights Inappropriate Behavior and Warnings Ignored
During sentencing, Circuit Judge Samuel Spalding condemned Bardin’s actions as completely inappropriate. He noted that Bardin had admitted to the sexual contact in one of the letters, further confirming the abuse. The judge also pointed out that Bardin had been explicitly warned by her supervisor to end the relationship but failed to comply.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, Bardin was acquitted of an additional accusation that she had solicited the teen to murder her husband. The victim, who testified in court, described the illicit relationship as merely a way to kill time, and stated that he had never planned to act on the alleged murder scheme.
Sex Offender Registration and Consequences
In addition to her prison sentence, Bardin will be required to register as a sex offender for the next 20 years. This ruling serves as a reminder of the severe legal and personal consequences that arise from violating trust and engaging in harmful, exploitative behavior, especially within institutional settings.
Helping Survivors of Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse or assault at a juvenile detention detention center, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options moving forward. At Helping Survivors, we provide guidance to individuals navigating their path toward justice and healing. Our team connects survivors with trusted legal professionals and helps ensure they are informed and empowered every step of the way.
Contact Helping Survivors today for more information on how we can assist you in taking the next steps toward recovery and justice.
