Married teacher Elena Bardin sentenced to prison for sexually abusing juvenile inmate at Kentucky detention center

A former teacher in Kentucky has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually abusing a 17-year-old inmate at a juvenile detention center. Elena Bardin, 27, was found guilty of first-degree sexual abuse and unlawful transaction with a minor for engaging in explicit sexual contact with the teen while working at the Adair County Juvenile Detention Center.

The married mother of a five-year-old daughter was also accused of asking the teen to murder her husband, although she was acquitted of that charge. The scandal came to light when authorities discovered 193 sexually explicit letters and photos that Bardin had allegedly sent to the inmate during a routine search of his room at the facility.

During her sentencing, Circuit Judge Samuel Spalding criticized Bardin for her inappropriate behavior, stating that the letters she sent were akin to content from an adult film. Despite being warned by her supervisor to end the relationship and stay away from the teen, Bardin continued to engage in the illicit behavior.

The letters revealed that Bardin not only had sexual contact with the teen but also discussed plans for him to kill her husband. However, the inmate testified in court that he had no intention of carrying out the murder plot and that their relationship was simply a way to pass the time while he was incarcerated.

Bardin, who did not testify during the trial, will now have to register as a sex offender for the next 20 years. The judge expressed concern over her actions and noted that she had disregarded advice to cease the inappropriate relationship. Despite the severity of her crimes, Bardin will serve her sentence and face the consequences of her actions.