A Nebraska teacher and wrestling coach could be thrown in prison for up to 20 years for allegedly dating a former student after she graduated.
Cody Pester, 26, who taught sixth grade at Palmyra Junior-Senior High School, was arrested late last month after an investigation by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office uncovered the relationship.
Police said that Pester and the then-18-year-old began exchanging text messages on the day she graduated, May 10, 2025, according to Local 12.
Cops claim Pester and the unidentified teen exchanged about 13,000 text messages from the day she graduated to August 8.
The pair is believed to have met previously at a sporting event, per KOLN.
By July 18, the relationship allegedly turned sexual, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said during a press conference.
Authorities said that Pester waived his Fifth Amendment rights upon his arrest and admitted that they had sex about six times that month.
Although the graduate was not a minor, teachers are not allowed to have intimate relationships with students within 90 days of their graduation under state law.
Cody Pester, 26, is pictured in his mugshot
Pester taught sixth grade at Palmyra Junior-Senior High School
The sheriff’s office learned of the alleged situation in late December 2025. Investigators interviewed the former student on January 23.
It is unclear who initially tipped off authorities about the alleged relationship.
The high school graduate reportedly told investigators that she and Pester engaged in sexual relations several times in July and August 2025.
Pester was taken into custody three days later. He was then released on a $10,000 bond after it was dropped from $100,000, according to Local 12.
He was removed from the classroom and from his coaching position at the school.
The school district also released a letter to parents in light of the events.
‘We are writing to inform you that Cody Pester, a sixth-grade teacher at Palmyra Junior/Senior High School, was arrested this morning on suspicion of an inappropriate relationship with a former student,’ the notice reads, per KOLN.
‘Upon receiving this information, the District immediately removed Mr Pester from all classroom and extracurricular duties, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they continue to conduct their investigation.
Pester is seen during his college years, as pictured on the Nebraska Wesleyan University 2020-21 wrestling roster
‘We understand that news like this can be upsetting for students, families, and staff. Counseling and support services will be made available for students at the high school who may need them in the coming days, and families are encouraged to reach out to school administrators with any additional concerns.’
Pester has been charged with sexual abuse by a school official – an accusation that carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
He has not entered a plea yet and is due back in court in March.
