• Elizabeth Love, 36, a teacher at ESU-11 in Holdrege, Nebraska, arrested after student reported inappropriate interactions to school staff
• Love’s boyfriend, Jarid “Jack” Krause, 41, also charged with one count of sex trafficking a minor
• Investigation began when current high school student confided in school staff member about interactions with the couple

HOLDREGE, Neb. (TDR) — A Nebraska teacher and her boyfriend were arrested on charges of allegedly grooming and trafficking one of her students for sex after the victim confided in a school staff member about inappropriate interactions with the couple.

Elizabeth Love, 36, was arrested following the student’s disclosure, according to the Holdrege Police Department. Love worked as a transition coordinator and teacher at ESU-11 in Holdrege, a position that gave her direct access to students requiring specialized educational services.

Boyfriend also faces charges

Love’s boyfriend, Jarid “Jack” Krause, 41, was also charged with one count of sex trafficking a minor, a federal offense carrying severe penalties. The joint arrest suggests prosecutors believe both individuals participated in the alleged exploitation of the student.

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“The investigation into Ms. Love and Mr. Krause began after a current high school student, whom Ms. Love was instructing through her employment as a transition coordinator and teacher in ESU-11, reported inappropriate interactions with the couple over the past few weeks,” the Holdrege Police said in a statement.

Student reports lead to investigation

The case came to light when the student confided in a school staff member about the alleged inappropriate interactions. School officials immediately contacted law enforcement, triggering an investigation into Love’s conduct and her relationship with Krause.

ESU-11 is an educational service unit that provides specialized programs and services to school districts across central Nebraska. Transition coordinators like Love typically work with students who have disabilities or special needs, helping them prepare for life after high school — a role requiring significant trust from students and families.

Grooming allegations under scrutiny

Prosecutors are examining whether Love and Krause engaged in grooming behavior — a process where adults build trust with minors to manipulate them into sexual situations. The allegations that the inappropriate interactions occurred “over the past few weeks” suggest a pattern of escalating behavior.

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The Holdrege Police Department has not released additional details about the nature of the alleged trafficking or the specific acts involved. Investigators are working to determine if there are additional victims who have not yet come forward.

Community response and next steps

ESU-11 has not publicly commented on Love’s employment status or what actions the educational service unit has taken in response to the allegations. Schools typically place employees on administrative leave or terminate employment when facing serious criminal charges involving students.

Both Love and Krause are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The case will proceed through the Nebraska criminal justice system, where prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the alleged trafficking and grooming occurred.

Sex trafficking charges involving minors are among the most serious offenses in the criminal code, reflecting society’s commitment to protecting children from exploitation. If convicted, both defendants could face substantial prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration.

The investigation remains active as authorities work to build their case and ensure no other students were victimized.

How can schools better protect students from educators who abuse their positions of trust?

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