Indy kindergarten teacher charged with child seduction

(WXIN/WTTV) — A kindergarten teacher at a private Christian school in Indianapolis has been criminally charged after allegedly having sex with a student.

Torrie Lemon, 23, was charged Monday in Hamilton County with two counts of felony child seduction by a child care worker. Lemon was recently fired from her position as kindergarten teacher at Colonial Christian School on Indy’s north side after allegations came to light.

Class trip ends in allegations

Indianapolis metro police were contacted on April 10, 2025, by a Colonial Christian employee who said he recently became aware of a “sexual relationship” between a 17-year-old female and a 23-year-old teacher. The teacher was identified as Lemon.

Lemon, the tipster and the victim were all in South Carolina on a school trip when the allegations came to light. A friend had reportedly borrowed the victim’s phone and uncovered sexual text messages between Lemon and the girl, then told a teacher.

South Carolina police took a report and spoke with the victim, who said she was “in a relationship” with Lemon and had videos of them kissing on her phone. The girl also said she had stayed in Lemon’s room the night before.

When being interviewed by police, officers say she immediately admitted to the allegations.

“I was having an inappropriate relationship with a student from our school,” she reportedly said.

Lemon allegedly told officers that she “started out as friends” with the victim before things turned physical, escalating from hugs to kisses to sexual contact. The teacher also said that the victim’s mother had suspected “there was more to their relationship” than friendship.

‘Started out as just friends’

Lemon was immediately sent home from the South Carolina trip, while the victim’s parents reportedly came to pick her up. On April 14, the victim was interviewed at IMPD’s sex crimes office.

The victim told officers she knew Lemon as a kindergarten teacher at her school and that they had begun hanging out together in January. The victim also said they “started out as just friends,” but that she and Lemon began making sexual jokes and talking about attraction to women.

The girl said that she and Lemon “wanted it to just be a friendship” because they knew it “went against their beliefs as Christians and it was also against the law.” She said this did not happen, though, and that she and Lemon first kissed during a school trip to Wabash, Indiana.

The victim then said she and Lemon began touching each other sexually while hanging out in March at her parents’ house. This reportedly escalated, with the victim regularly visiting Lemon’s apartment – located on Colonial Christian School grounds – to have sex.

‘Love you more than I can describe’

Officers began speaking with witnesses who had seen Lemon and the victim interact. The victim’s mother told officers that Lemon and the victim’s “friendship seemed to progress fast,” with Lemon bringing the child flowers and visiting her at her house multiple times.

The father of the victim told police that he had noticed how Lemon and his daughter often sat close to each other while watching movies or hanging out at the house. He also said that, after meeting Lemon, the victim began talking about Age of Consent laws in Indiana.

Other witnesses told officers they found it odd how often Lemon and the victim chatted on the phone or exchanged texts. One person said that the victim would often be found at Lemon’s apartment when she was supposed to be at youth group.

Both parents of the victim reportedly said they had allowed Lemon to sleep over at their house, sharing a pull-out couch with the victim in the basement. The victim’s father said he knew Lemon and the victim “had only ever kissed, hugged and cuddled.” He said he did not want to tell police about the situation, fearing that if he was wrong he would jeopardize Lemon’s career.

While investigating, police recovered several text messages from the victim phone sent by Lemon.

“I love you more than I can describe. I love my girl,” Lemon texted the 17-year-old. “Thank you for an amazing night and morning.”

Other text messages sent by Lemon discussed “climaxing” and “laying in bed” with the victim.

Suspect moves home, charges filed

Detectives tried to call Lemon on April 16 and were sent to voicemail. Lemon reportedly called back and told them she had moved back to New Hampshire and was no longer in Indiana. She further advised that she would not answer any questions without an attorney.

The next day, police received a message from Lemon’s lawyer who said he would consult with the suspect to determine whether or not to give a statement. They did not hear back from the lawyer again until April 24 when he said he had been busy with trials all week.

Over the next few weeks, police went back and forth with the lawyer about whether or not Lemon would give a statement, but the lawyer reportedly gave vague answers. Ultimately, she decided not to give a statement to police.

A probable cause affidavit for Lemon’s arrest was filed on June 12, and she was officially charged on June 30 in Hamilton Superior Court 3.

Colonial Christian School Principal Andrew Fry said in a statement to FOX59/CBS4 that Lemon was terminated soon after the allegations came to light.

“We are committed to the safety and well-being of every student, and we are cooperating fully with the authorities,” Fry wrote. “Because this is an ongoing investigation, we will refrain from further discussing the allegation. However, we encourage parents and students to notify us of any concerns.”

Lemon has still not been booked into jail as of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.