Bardin's illegal acts were discovered during a routine cell search in March 2025, which uncovered over 190 explicit letters and photos she had sent to the teen. One letter included Bardin’s admission to engaging in sexual contact inside the detention facility. Despite warnings from supervisors and efforts to relocate the juvenile inmate to stop the inappropriate relationship, Bardin persisted, violating professional and legal boundaries.

Circuit Judge Samuel Spalding sentenced Bardin to serve the charges consecutively: four years for sexual abuse, ten years for unlawful transactions with a minor, and an additional 12-month concurrent sentence for distributing obscene content. Bardin must also register as a sex offender for 20 years upon release.

Bardin was arrested in April 2025 after Kentucky State Police investigated the possession of sexually explicit materials by the inmate. During the two-day trial, the prosecution presented detailed testimony from the victim and Bardin’s estranged husband, Michael Bardin. The jury, however, acquitted Bardin of solicitation of murder charges relating to allegations she asked the teen to kill her husband.

This case highlights significant concerns over the vulnerability of incarcerated youth and the vital need for stringent oversight of staff interactions in juvenile detention centers. The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice has yet to announce policy changes following the incident.

Bardin’s defense team has filed motions for a new trial, citing inconsistencies in victim testimony, but the court upheld her convictions. Meanwhile, Bardin’s marriage ended after her April arrest, and custody proceedings are ongoing for their five-year-old daughter who was part of the family dynamic affected by this scandal.