DANVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — The Garrard County Sheriff’s Department is investigating reports of sexual misconduct involving multiple minors.

Ellen Shell, 38, of Danville was taken into custody at 1:25 p.m. in the Jessamine County Detention Center. According to her arrest citation, Shell engaged in sexual intercourse on three occasions with two minors who were 16 at the time.

The arrest citation states the sexual encounters occurred between July 6, 2022, and Aug. 15, 2022.

The mother of one of the reported victims, who wishes to remain anonymous, told FOX 56 Shell was a teacher’s aide at Woodlawn Elementary School in Boyle County. In a letter Wednesday to community members, Boyle County Superintendent Mike LaFavers wrote an employee of the school was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by law enforcement.

The parent said she went to high school with Shell and their kids grew up together.

“These boys are not aware of the laws that protect them and would not come forward because they thought they would be in trouble,” she said.

The mother said Shell bought her son alcohol at the time of the incident.

“He said she brought them alcohol 3 to 4 times,” the parent said. “I can’t wrap my mind around the extent of what she’s done.”

According to Shell’s arrest warrant, she was arrested Wednesday by the Garrard County Sheriff’s Office after two minors came forward claiming she raped them last summer.

Shell has been charged with three counts of third-degree rape.

She is due back in court at 9 a.m. on Monday.

Dustin Massengill contributed to this story.