Former Murray High teacher pleads guilty to rape and sexual abuse charges

A former Murray High School teacher pleaded guilty to rape and sexual abuse charges involving a former student Tuesday.

The Murray Sentinel reported Jason Shelby, who was arrested and charged with third-degree rape and first-degree sexual abuse in September 2025, pleaded guilty to both charges .

Kentucky State Police began investigating Shelby in August, 2018 after receiving a report from the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board about possible sexual relations between Shelby and at least two MHS students.

However, at the time, there was not enough evidence available to obtain an arrest warrant until recently. In August 2025, a victim came forward and provided evidence to KSP.

story/photo:  The Murray Sentinel