WCPS employee arrested on charges related to sexual abuse involving minor

June 23, 2022

WNKY Staff,

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – An employee at Warren County Public Schools has been arrested and put on leave after facing charges related to sexual abuse involving at least one minor.

According to a citation by Bowling Green Police Department, police began investigating the case on June 15 when a parent of a juvenile told police that a school official at her son’s school had been sending him inappropriate messages.

The school official was identified as Rachael L. Stayer Smith, 40, of Bowling Green, according to the citation. Authorities stated that an investigation determined Smith had contacted another 13-year-old juvenile by electronic means and invited him over to her house.

The juvenile said to investigators when he arrived that Smith interacted with him inappropriately, stated the citation. Smith was located and interviewed on June 17, when she admitted to kissing the juvenile at her residence, according to BGPD.

Authorities stated Smith is alleged to have had multiple discussions with the juvenile regarding her desire for sexual activity with him. BGPD further stated that multiple juveniles are suspected to have had similar electronic communications with Smith that were sexual in nature.

Smith was arrested on Tuesday, June 21 and charged with unlawful transaction with a minor, first offense – illegal sex act, under 16 years of age, sexual abuse, first degree, and procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

In addition, Warren County Public Schools district released the following statement:

“District officials with Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) were notified by the Bowling Green Police Department (BGPD) that WCPS employee, Rachel Smith, was arrested on June 21, 2022, following an investigation by the BGPD. WCPS’ top priority is ensuring the safety of our students, thus Ms. Smith has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.”