Former Lowndes County Teacher Arrested on Child Grooming Charge

Former Lowndes County Teacher Arrested on Child Grooming Charge

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. — The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Monica Grady, a former teacher at New Hope Middle School, following an investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student.

Grady has been charged with child grooming, as defined under Section 97-5-32 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, established by House Bill 1308 in 2025. Under the law, child grooming is described as a pattern of conduct or a series of messages that a reasonable adult would recognize as an attempt to lure, persuade, or coerce a child under the age of 16 into an inappropriate, sexualized, or illegal relationship.

According to authorities, school administrators met with Grady on Wednesday after concerns were raised that she allegedly provided minor students with alcohol and tobacco products. Following that meeting, Grady and the Lowndes County School District separated employment.

On Thursday, investigators with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Grady’s residence as part of the ongoing investigation. She was taken into custody without incident.

Investigators allege that Grady provided alcohol and tobacco to multiple students and engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

No identifying information about the student or students involved has been released in order to protect their privacy.

The case remains under investigation, and authorities say additional charges may be filed as evidence continues to be reviewed. The Sheriff’s Office is working closely with school officials and the District Attorney’s Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.

Photo- LCSO