by HOLDREGE, NE — A Nebraska teacher and her boyfriend have been arrested and charged with sex trafficking a minor after police say they exploited a 16-year-old student through months of manipulation, inappropriate communication, and alleged sexual propositions.
According to the Holdrege Police Department, 36-year-old Elizabeth “Jamie” Love and her boyfriend Jarid “Jack” Krause, 43, were taken into custody on Friday, October 24, following a disturbing investigation that began earlier this month. Both are charged with one count each of sex trafficking a minor, while Love faces an additional charge of sexual grooming by a school employee.
Investigation Sparked by Student Report
Authorities said the investigation began on October 14, when a Holdrege police officer received a report of possible sexual abuse involving a 16-year-old student. The student, who had known Love for several years through school programs, told investigators that her relationship with the educator had become increasingly personal and inappropriate.
Love, a transition coordinator and teacher of the deaf with Education Service Unit 11 (ESU-11), reportedly built a close relationship with the student since the girl’s middle school years.
According to court documents, the student described how the relationship evolved beyond professional boundaries, including private conversations via Facebook Messenger, text messages, and personal email accounts.
Alleged Attempts to Involve the Student
Investigators said that during one August 2025 incident, the student was in Love’s car when Krause, Love’s boyfriend, called and made sexually explicit remarks. Love allegedly told the teen afterward that she would be “willing to share” Krause with her. The disturbing conversation made the student uncomfortable, prompting her to leave the outing early.
A second encounter allegedly occurred on October 11, when Love reportedly picked up the student from her home and brought her to her own residence. There, Krause allegedly led the teen to an upstairs bedroom and made an explicit request she believed was for sex. The student said she refused and asked to go home.
According to police, surveillance footage later confirmed that the student walked home while Love followed her car, eventually convincing her to get back inside. Text messages later reviewed by investigators showed Love asking the student to “come back and talk to me.”
Messages Reveal Disturbing Plans
Authorities said they uncovered multiple text exchanges between Love and Krause discussing the student, suggesting they had been grooming her for months. The messages allegedly showed the couple referring to the teen as a potential “person” for them, and even discussing using code phrases to gauge her interest in sexual activity.
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One particularly alarming text from Love expressed hope that their “plan works out,” while another from Krause mentioned the two might “start the paperwork for foster care.” Investigators believe the couple may have been attempting to use such means to gain long-term access to vulnerable minors.
The affidavit also notes that Love allegedly gave the student $100 in small increments after the incident, claiming it was to help her buy a phone — though police suspect it may have been intended to discourage her from speaking out.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Consequences
Both Love and Krause are currently being held at the Phelps County Jail on $250,000 cash bonds. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment and mandatory lifetime registration as sex offenders. Their first court appearance is scheduled for Monday, October 27.
The Holdrege Police Department has urged anyone with additional information or prior contact with the pair to come forward by calling (308) 995-4407. Investigators said they are still working to determine if other victims may exist.
“This is a deeply troubling case that involves a breach of trust and exploitation of a student,” officials said in a statement. “Our priority is the safety of our youth and ensuring justice for the victim.”
Community Response
Local residents have expressed shock and outrage following the arrests, particularly given Love’s long career in education. ESU-11 officials have not yet released a formal statement but confirmed that Love has been placed on leave pending the investigation’s outcome.
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