Kentucky Teacher Charged with Sexually Assaulting Student, Sending Partial Nudes

Bardstown High School teacher Mary 'Hanna' Mattingly accused of abusing student and sharing explicit photos

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:05pm

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An extreme close-up of a cracked smartphone screen reflecting a faint light, conveying the violation of privacy and trust in a teacher-student sexual abuse case.A stark, gritty image captures the aftermath of a teacher's alleged abuse of power and breach of trust.Bardstown Today

A 31-year-old high school teacher in Bardstown, Kentucky has been arrested and charged with first-degree sexual abuse and promoting the use of a minor by electronic means. Mary 'Hanna' Mattingly, a teacher at Bardstown High School, is accused of sexually assaulting a student and sending them partially nude photographs.

Why it matters

Teacher-student sexual abuse cases have been on the rise in recent years, sparking concerns about student safety and the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures in schools. This case highlights the serious consequences when teachers violate their positions of trust and authority.

The details

According to the Bardstown Police Department, they received a report that Mattingly had been sexually assaulting a high school student. As they investigated the claims, they uncovered evidence proving the allegations. In addition to the sexual assault, Mattingly also allegedly sent the student partially nude photographs.

  • On March 30, 2026, Mattingly was arrested by the Bardstown Police Department.

The players

Mary 'Hanna' Mattingly

A 31-year-old teacher at Bardstown High School who has been charged with first-degree sexual abuse and promoting the use of a minor by electronic means.

Bardstown Police Department

The law enforcement agency that received the report of Mattingly's alleged crimes and conducted the investigation that led to her arrest.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether Mattingly will be allowed out on bail as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards and oversight to prevent teacher-student sexual abuse, which has become an alarmingly common problem in schools across the country.