Palmyra Teacher Arrested for Inappropriate Relationship with Former Student

Authorities say the 26-year-old teacher had over 13,000 phone calls with the 18-year-old victim

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:31pm

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The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office has released additional details on the arrest of a sixth-grade teacher and wrestling coach at Palmyra Jr. and Sr. High School. Cody Pester, 26, of Lincoln was arrested for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a former student that started in May 2025 when the female student was still enrolled. The relationship became sexual in July, which is illegal under Nebraska law for a school employee to engage in sexual activity with a student enrolled within the previous 90 days.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of teacher-student relationships, which can constitute sexual abuse even if the student is 18 or older. It raises concerns about the power dynamics in these situations and the need for strict boundaries between educators and their students.

The details

According to Lancaster County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ben Houchin, the authorities got involved in the case in December after it was reported by Otoe County authorities following an intake from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Houchin confirmed that the relationship between Pester and the 18-year-old female became sexual in July, which is illegal under a state statute that prohibits school employees from engaging in sexual activity with students enrolled within the previous 90 days.

  • The inappropriate relationship between Pester and the student started in May 2025.
  • The relationship became sexual in July.
  • The authorities got involved in the case in December.

The players

Cody Pester

A 26-year-old sixth-grade teacher and wrestling coach at Palmyra Jr. and Sr. High School who was arrested for an inappropriate relationship with a former student.

Ben Houchin

The Lancaster County Chief Deputy Sheriff who provided details on the case.

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What they’re saying

“We got involved in the case in December, by Otoe County authorities following an intake reported by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.”

— Ben Houchin, Lancaster County Chief Deputy Sheriff

What’s next

Pester was arrested at his Lincoln home, and the judge will decide on his bail status in the coming days.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for strict professional boundaries between teachers and students, even after graduation, to protect vulnerable young people from abuse of power and exploitation.