Florida nurse snags plea deal after husband allegedly 'walked in' on her having sex with underage stepson



A Florida nurse has reportedly taken a plea deal to reduce her prison sentence in the case of her husband allegedly walking in on her sexually abusing her underage stepson.

According to a Marion County Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit previously obtained by People magazine, 34-year-old Alexis Von Yates is accused of engaging in sexual activities with an underage boy on July 30, 2024.

Yates' husband reportedly 'walked in' on his wife sexually abusing his 15-year-old son.

Yates — of Ocala — was arrested Nov. 6, 2024.

Yates was initially charged with sexual battery on a person 12 to 18 years of age by a person in familial custody.

Yates' nursing license was immediately suspended following her arrest.

Last Thursday, Yates entered a no-contest plea to a lesser charge of lewd and lascivious battery, according to WCJB-TV.

Court TV reported, "Prosecutors said the victim's family supported the negotiated plea to avoid requiring the 15-year-old victim to return to Florida to testify, which they feared would disrupt his ongoing mental health treatment."

RELATED: She once was school 'counselor of the year.' Now she's accused of sexually assaulting student 100+ times, court docs say.

Photo by zoka74 via iStock / Getty Images Plus

Law & Crime reported in April that the alleged victim was on vacation and visiting his father for the summer when the purported sexual acts occurred.

"His father worked late hours as a lineman," Yates' arrest affidavit states. "The child victim was hanging out with his stepmother while she was taking care of his younger siblings. ... Around 11 p.m., the two of them began relaxing on the couch, 'hitting' a THC cartridge together while playing a video game. Several hours later ... they decided to watch a movie."

Yates and the minor both agreed that the movie was "boring," the affidavit reads.

"Ms. Yates told victim that she was 'horny,'" the Florida Department of Health claimed. "Victim laid on top of Ms. Yates. Ms. Yates allowed victim to kiss Ms. Yates' neck, pull down Ms. Yates' shorts and underwear to her ankles."

Yates and the alleged victim reportedly engaged in sexual acts, including intercourse, according to court documents.

Yates' husband reportedly "walked in" on his wife sexually abusing his 15-year-old son.

"Nurses are placed in a position of trust," the DOH said. "Therefore, it is imperative that they demonstrate good judgment and good moral character. Ms. Yates' decision to engage in sexual activity with a minor child and/or her decision to allow a child to engage her in oral and penetrative sex indicates that she lacks the good judgment and moral character necessary to be a registered nurse."

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Yates will serve two years in the Department of Corrections, followed by two years of community control as well as 10 years of sex offender probation, according to Court TV.

Yates must also complete 200 hours of community service, plus pay fines and court costs.

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Male HS choral director arrested on sex trafficking charges, accused of meeting underage student through LGBTQ dating app



A Massachusetts music teacher is accused of sex trafficking by paying a minor — whom he met through an LGBTQ dating app — for sex acts.

The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office said in a press release, "A Brockton High School instructor has been arraigned on human trafficking charges after an investigation by the Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz has announced."

'We are deeply troubled by the allegations in this case.'

Matthew Cunningham, 35, was arrested at his Brockton home around 10:20 a.m. Tuesday by members of the Massachusetts State Police Special Services Section High Risk Victim Squad and Brockton Police.

Cunningham pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking of a person for sexual servitude during his arraignment in Brockton District Court.

Cunningham's bail was set at $25,000.

However, the judge set specific conditions if he is released on bail.

The Enterprise reported that bail conditions include "home confinement with GPS monitoring, staying away from and not contacting the victim, staying away from Brockton High School, refraining from using social media, relinquishing his passport, and staying in Massachusetts."

The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office said the child sex crime charges stem from months-long investigations by Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police.

"The allegations are that on April 27, 2025, Cunningham met up with an underage male victim, performed a sexual act on the victim, and then paid the victim on an app," the DA's office stated. "App administrators contacted the FBI after flagging the monetary transaction between an adult and a minor."

RELATED: Florida teacher accused of 'disturbing' sexual misconduct against student — including in classroom just hours before arrest

Assistant District Attorney Jason Blanchette claimed Cunningham asked the alleged victim if he was willing to engage in sex acts for money through Grindr — a dating app geared toward the LGBTQ+ community, the Enterprise reported.

More from the outlet:

After connecting on the app, Cunningham allegedly picked up the victim and drove him to his house, where he paid the victim for sex acts, Blanchette said. [...]

After the encounter, the prosecution said the victim recognized Cunningham as the choral director at his school and grew uncomfortable with the encounter.

Brendan Kelly — Cunningham's court-appointed defense attorney — said his client was not aware that the alleged victim was under 18 years old or that he was a student at Brockton High School.

According to Grindr's community guidelines, users on the dating app must be at least 18 years old.

Brockton Public Schools said Cunningham was placed on paid administrative leave as soon as school officials found out about the allegations.

"Brockton Public Schools learned today of the arrest of Brockton High School teacher Matthew Cunningham, and he was immediately placed on paid administrative leave," Brockton Public Schools said in a statement released on Tuesday, according to CBS News. "We are deeply troubled by the allegations in this case."

The ongoing investigation will include a forensic examination of Cunningham’s cell phone, according to the district attorney's office.

Cunningham is scheduled for a Sept. 18 court appearance.

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She once was school 'counselor of the year.' Now she's accused of sexually assaulting student 100+ times, court docs say.



A former school "counselor of the year" in Colorado now faces accusations of sexually assaulting a student over 100 times — and threatening to kill herself if the victim reported the sexual abuse, authorities said.

On Tuesday, the city of Fort Collins released a statement saying its police department got a tip in July 2025 that a former Poudre School District counselor had an inappropriate relationship with a student while employed with the district.

'These allegations are deeply troubling.'

Following an investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 40-year-old Cassandra Poncelow, who was a district employee between 2007 and 2024.

"The investigation revealed that Poncelow had an inappropriate relationship with a student for several years and sexually assaulted the student on multiple occasions off campus," the statement reads. "When the crimes occurred, the victim was a juvenile; however, the victim is now an adult." KCNC-TV reported that the victim was a girl.

According to court documents obtained by KUSA-TV, the student met Poncelow at her high school counseling office.

Citing the arrest affidavit, KUSA reported that Poncelow hosted "sleepovers" at her home with the alleged victim.

The guidance counselor also had "unsupervised" visits with the alleged victim in Poncelow's office at school, according to court documents.

RELATED: Ex-middle school teacher slapped with felony charges over accusations of shocking student sex scandal

The accusations reportedly were first sent to Safe2Tell, a resource for students, parents, school staff, and community members to anonymously report "concerns regarding their safety or the safety of others."

The Colorado Department of Human Services in April 2023 allegedly received a report of a guidance counselor sexually assaulting a student. The alleged sexual abuse began a "few years" before DHS was tipped off, according to KUSA.

However, Poncelow stayed on as a district guidance counselor until she resigned Sept. 6, 2024.

KUSA reported, "When asked whether Poncelow was disciplined or put on leave related to the Safe2Tell report or the DHS report in April 2024, the district said they could not share personnel matters 'due to state and federal privacy laws.'"

The school district informed KUSA that Poncelow worked at one elementary school, three middle schools, three high schools, and one career tech center.

In April 2023, police questioned the alleged victim after the accusations surfaced, and the alleged victim was "surprised" by the accusations and denied having a sexual relationship with Poncelow, according to court documents.

The criminal case was closed due to insufficient evidence to support the allegations, according to law enforcement.

However, the case was reopened last month when the alleged victim came forward to authorities, claimed to have been sexually assaulted more than 100 times, and said the sexual assaults occurred at Poncelow's home, according to the affidavit.

The alleged victim added to police that Poncelow threatened self-harm if the student told anyone about their relationship.

According to the arrest report, Poncelow told the alleged victim, "If you tell anyone, I'll kill myself."

Poncelow allegedly felt shame about the alleged sexual relationship, police said.

According to the arrest report obtained by KCNC, the guidance counselor allegedly told the student, "Our physical and sexual relationship was not OK. Lack of boundary, not OK. The power difference, not OK. It was wrong."

The Fort Collins Police Services stated, "Detectives are concerned there may be more victims or witnesses of additional criminal behavior related to Poncelow."

RELATED: School employee makes shocking confession to police about sexually abusing student: Court docs

According to jail records, Poncelow was booked into the Larimer County Jail. She was charged with felony counts of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, criminal attempt to commit sexual exploitation of children, aggravated sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist, and sexual assault.

"We are actively working to support the victim and ensure accountability, knowing that cases like this deeply affect not only those directly involved but the entire community. Our priority remains centered on the victim's well-being and the thoroughness of this investigation," said Lieutenant Sara Lynd, head of the Fort Collins Police Services Crimes Against Persons Unit.

According to the Denver Gazette, Poudre Schools said the allegations are "deeply troubling."

"Poudre School District is aware that Cassandra Poncelow, a former employee in the district, was arrested following a Fort Collins Police Services investigation into allegations involving a minor," the statement reads. "These allegations are deeply troubling."

The statement adds that "the district has fully cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation. The safety and well-being of our students are our highest priority."

The statement concluded, "Because this is an active investigation, and to protect the privacy of those involved, we are unable to share additional details."

Poncelow was honored as Colorado’s 2016 "counselor of the year" by the Colorado School Counseling Association and was a finalist for the American School Counselor of the Year award in 2018, according to the Coloradoan.

Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to contact Detective Cole Giandomenico at 970-221-6558, or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.

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Couple arrested for committing 'lewd and lascivious' sex acts during flight with children watching, police say



A Connecticut couple was arrested after they reportedly performed sex acts in front of children during a flight to Florida from New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport, according to authorities.

At approximately 10:30 a.m. on July 19, a woman with two children allegedly approached a JetBlue flight attendant. The mother told the flight crew member that there were two passengers engaging in sexual activity in their seats, according to the probable cause affidavits obtained by People magazine. The woman reportedly stressed that her children witnessed the alleged sex acts.

'This behavior is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by JetBlue.'

"After he was informed of the acts, the flight attendant walked to Ms. Reilly's seating area and witnessed her making up-and-down movements with her head while she was face down on Mr. Arnold's lap," the affidavits state.

The affidavits claim that the two children witnessed Reilly "performing oral sex and jerking off Mr. Arnold."

RELATED: Teen arrested after allegedly saying 7 words that led to airplane evacuation. But mom says it was just a joke.

Approximately an hour later, the JetBlue airplane landed at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Upon touching down at the airport, 42-year-old Christopher D. Arnold and 43-year-old Trista L. Reilly were arrested by officers with the airport police. The suspects were each charged with two felony counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition, according to information from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

The couple — from Danbury, Connecticut — was released from custody on their own recognizance on July 21, according to Sarasota County Sheriff's Office jail records.

JetBlue told People magazine, "This behavior is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by JetBlue."

"Immediately upon receiving the report, our crew members acted swiftly to engage JetBlue's security team and law enforcement," JetBlue said in a statement. "We are fully cooperating with the investigation, and these customers are no longer welcome to fly JetBlue."

According to arrest records from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Arnold and Reilly are scheduled to be arraigned on August 15. There is no clear information on whether they've retained legal representation.

RELATED: 'My laptop is a bomb': Florida man's alleged mid-flight bomb threat forces emergency landing — now the FBI is involved

Photo by Douglas Rissing via iStock / Getty Images

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Married ex-teacher escapes jail sentence after accused of sharing explicit videos with student, inviting teen to have sex



A former Missouri teacher dodged a jail sentence regarding accusations of being involved in a teacher sex scandal with a student, according to reports.

As Blaze News reported in October 2023, a 25-year-old teacher was accused of sharing explicit photos and videos with a 16-year-old student. The teacher also reportedly invited the teen to have sex with her at her home while her husband was away.

'The victim said Laughlin also tried to solicit sex from the victim.'

On Oct. 19, 2023, the Maries County Sheriff's Office purportedly opened an investigation into Rikki Lynn Laughlin — a then-special education teacher at St. James High School, located about 95 miles southwest of St. Louis. The Maries County Sheriff's Office allegedly received a tip that a St. James High School teacher was having sexual contact with a student.

According to a probable cause statement, the alleged victim claimed that Laughlin first contacted him on the Snapchat social media app.

The boy informed investigators that he had kissed the teacher in a classroom, according to court docs.

KSDK-TV previously reported, "The victim said the conversations escalated quickly and Laughlin sent him nude photos and videos of herself. He said she also requested he send nude photos of himself, which he did on two occasions. The victim said Laughlin also tried to solicit sex from the victim."

Court documents said the alleged victim informed authorities that Laughlin invited him to her home when her husband was away on Oct. 14. However, the teen formulated excuses to not appear at Laughlin's home because he did not feel comfortable, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Court documents stated that Laughlin urged the teen to delete all photos and videos she sent him because she was afraid of going to jail.

RELATED: Ex-Christian school teacher accused of sexually assaulting female student, rearrested after allegedly contacting another teen

RELATED: Ex-teacher accused of grooming, sexually abusing teen boy; mother rips suspect as 'sick, twisted, calculating sex offender'

Laughlin was arrested and initially charged with possession of child pornography, tampering with a victim, second-degree statutory rape, sexual exploitation of a minor, tampering with physical evidence, furnishing pornographic material to a minor, and second-degree child sex trafficking.

Laughlin reportedly got a sweetheart deal to avoid a jail sentence.

KRCG-TV reported this week that Laughlin pleaded guilty on July 24 to endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk in the first degree, noting that it was her first offense and there was no sexual contact.

Laughlin was sentenced to five years of probation.

RELATED: Married ex-teacher hit with 52 additional child sex charges related to multiple alleged trysts with 15-year-old male student

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Ex-girlfriend of arrested Delta pilot allegedly observed, participated in sexual abuse of her young daughter: Court docs



The ex-girlfriend of a Delta Air Lines pilot — who was recently arrested on child sex abuse charges after touching down in California on a commercial airliner — has also been charged in the disturbing case that allegedly involves her young daughter, according to officials.

As Blaze News reported on Tuesday, federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations reportedly stormed the cockpit of a Delta Air Lines plane and dragged the co-pilot off the commercial airliner that landed at San Francisco International Airport on July 26.

Court documents said the child sex abuse began when the alleged victim was just 6 years old and continued until she was 11.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office said in a statement, "Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division have been conducting an investigation since April 2025 after receiving a report of sex crimes against a child."

The pilot — 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar of Florida — was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Bhagwagar was initially charged with five counts of oral copulation with a child under 10 years of age.

However, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office levied a total of 24 felony counts against Bhagwagar on Wednesday. The charges include engaging in a sexual act with a child 10 years old or younger, oral copulation with a child, forceable lewd acts upon a child, and aggravated sexual assault of a child.

A judge raised Bhagwagar's bail from $5 million to $15 million.

'By pursuing these cases vigorously, we not only seek justice for victims but also work to safeguard our entire community from those who would prey on children.'

Law enforcement recently revealed that Bhagwagar's ex-girlfriend is also accused of being involved with the sickening allegations of child sex abuse.

The Contra Costa Sheriff's Office said in a statement that 45-year-old Jennifer Powell was arrested on Wednesday.

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office arrested Powell in "connection with an ongoing investigation into sex crimes against a child."

Police said Powell is the mother of the alleged child sex abuse victim.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office said Powell was "charged in a related felony complaint and has been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility."

The DA noted that both Powell and Bhagwagar face sentences of 15 years to life in state prison.

RELATED: Ex-Christian school teacher accused of sexually assaulting female student, rearrested after allegedly contacting another teen

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KTVU-TV obtained a probable cause statement, which allegedly stated that Powell was aware that her young daughter was being sexually abused by her then-boyfriend, and that she observed and even participated in the alleged sexual crimes of her child.

Court documents said the child sex abuse began when the alleged victim was just 6 years old and continued until she was 11. Prosecutors noted that the suspected child sex abuse ended when Powell and Bhagwagar broke up.

Prosecutors reportedly said the daughter did not live with her mother.

The Contra Costa District Attorney's Office said the sexual abuse of a minor occurred between 2018 and 2023.

Bhagwagar and Powell did not enter pleas when they appeared in court on Wednesday, according to KTVU. Both suspects are reportedly scheduled to return to Contra Costa County Superior Court in August.

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton stated, "Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable. Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs. By pursuing these cases vigorously, we not only seek justice for victims but also work to safeguard our entire community from those who would prey on children."

The Contra Costa Sheriff's Office said the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact the Investigation Division at 925-313-2600, email tips@so.cccounty.us, or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Once the appalling accusations surfaced, Delta Air Lines immediately suspended Bhagwagar pending the investigation.

A Delta spokesperson told KTVU, "Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and will fully cooperate with law enforcement. We are appalled by reports of the charges related to the arrest."

RELATED: NYPD officer sent obscene material to undercover cop posing as 14-year-old girl: DA's office

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Federal agents reportedly storm cockpit, drag pilot off Delta plane over appalling accusations involving young children



Federal agents reportedly stormed the cockpit of a Delta Air Lines plane and dragged the pilot off the commercial airliner in a dramatic arrest over the weekend.

Delta Air Lines Flight 2809 flew out of Minneapolis and landed at San Francisco International Airport at 9:35 p.m. Saturday, according to FlightAware.

'Everyone was confused and in disbelief at what was happening.'

Passengers on the Boeing 757-300 said at least 10 federal agents marched aboard the plane, and the incident was described as "shocking and unnerving."

"A group of people with badges, guns, and different agency vests/markings were pushing their way up through the aisle to the cockpit," a passenger told the San Francisco Chronicle.

The passenger in first class said the agents were from Homeland Security Investigations in San Francisco.

The passenger claimed officers "stormed the cockpit, cuffed the copilot, arrested him, walked him down the aisle, and ushered him off the plane through the cabin doors located between first and coach."

Another passenger told KQED-TV, "Everyone was confused and in disbelief at what was happening."

A second group of officers reportedly returned a short time later to retrieve the copilot’s personal belongings.

Video uploaded to social media shows several agents with badges leaving the cockpit.

RELATED: Teen arrested after allegedly saying 7 words that led to airplane evacuation. But mom says it was just a joke.

The copilot later was identified as 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar of Florida.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office said in a statement, "Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division have been conducting an investigation since April 2025 after receiving a report of sex crimes against a child."

The sheriff's office noted that its investigation revealed that Bhagwagar allegedly sexually assaulted a child under 10 years of age.

An arrest warrant was secured for the suspect.

Sheriff's office detectives and agents with Homeland Security Investigations boarded the plane to arrest Bhagwagar, who was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on five counts of oral copulation with a child under 10 years of age.

Bhagwagar is being detained on $5 million bail.

The sheriff's office said the investigation is ongoing.

Police urged anyone with any information regarding the case to contact the Investigation Division of the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office at 925-313-2600, email tips@so.cccounty.us, or leave an anonymous tip at 866-846-3592.

A spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations in San Francisco told the Chronicle that the agency supported local authorities in carrying out the arrest warrant.

Once the shocking accusations surfaced, Delta Air Lines immediately suspended Bhagwagar pending the investigation.

A Delta spokesperson told KTVU-TV, "Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and will fully cooperate with law enforcement. We are appalled by reports of the charges related to the arrest."

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Ex-Christian school teacher accused of sexually assaulting female student, rearrested after allegedly contacting another teen



A former teacher at a Christian school in Alabama is accused of sexual misconduct with an underage female student, according to authorities. However, the ex-teacher had her bond revoked after she reportedly contacted another teen.

Sarah Huggins Logan — who was a teacher at the North River Christian Academy — allegedly had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl at the school.

'We have prayed for them and encouraged our entire school family to hold them up in their personal prayers.'

Citing charging documents, AL.com reported that the mother of an underage female student "found messages in her daughter’s phone that indicated there was a romantic and sexual relationship taking place between Logan and the victim."

The alleged victim told investigators that she and Logan had performed sex acts on each other in the bedroom of Logan's home in Buhl, according to charging documents.

Detectives with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office conducted interviews and discovered evidence before obtaining arrest warrants for Logan.

Logan, 35, was arrested on July 18 and charged with one count of a school employee engaging in a sex act, according to AL.com.

Logan was released on a $5,000 bond on the day of her arrest, according to the sheriff's office. She was ordered not to have any contact with any minors except for her own children.

RELATED: Married ex-teacher hit with 52 additional child sex charges related to multiple alleged trysts with 15-year-old male student

Photo by halbergman via iStock / Getty Images

Logan was rearrested Tuesday.

Citing charging documents, AL.com reported that after Logan got out of jail, she set up a new social media account and sent a "friend request" to a 17-year-old. Authorities stated that the friend request violated the judge's order, and District Judge James Gentry subsequently revoked Logan's bond. She remained in jail Friday afternoon.

There could be more victims, and Logan could face more charges, according to Capt. Jack Kennedy, head of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Violent Crimes Unit. The North River Christian Academy was cooperating with the investigation.

Logan was a teacher and volleyball coach at the North River Christian Academy, a school for grades pre-K through 12 that focuses on a "Christ-centered education and advancing His kingdom through Christian service."

RELATED: Ex-teacher accused of grooming, sexually abusing teen boy; mother rips suspect as 'sick, twisted, calculating sex offender'

School officials said they had been made aware last week of an allegation against Logan and "notified the appropriate state and local authorities."

The school said in a Facebook statement, "It should be self-evident to say that this incident is heart-rending for all involved. This includes especially the families directly impacted."

"We have prayed for them and encouraged our entire school family to hold them up in their personal prayers," the school added. "This situation is easy for no one; there are only degrees of difficulty."

The school vowed to "weather this storm."

The North River Christian Academy informed People magazine that Logan is no longer employed there and was "released" for a reason "unrelated to the arrest."

The Violent Crimes Unit of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office urged any potential child sex abuse victims or anyone with information on the case to contact investigators at 205-464-8690.

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Ex-teacher accused of grooming, sexually abusing teen boy; mother rips suspect as 'sick, twisted, calculating sex offender'



A former elementary school teacher in South Carolina is accused of engaging in a "prolonged and inappropriate relationship" with a teenage boy, according to police.

Multiple jurisdictions have been investigating the allegations.

'Looking back, it sickens me knowing Nikki manipulated our son and our family.'

The Anderson County Sheriff's Office charged Nicole Ballew Callaham, 33, with three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The Greenville Police Department hit Callaham with eight counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and four counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, as the alleged victim attended school there. In addition, the Clemson City Police Department has been conducting a parallel investigation.

The Anderson School District Five stated that Callaham had been a kindergarten teacher for the Homeland Park Primary School from 2017 until her May 21 resignation.

The Anderson County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that an investigation into Callaham was launched in May 2025 after police discovered evidence of misconduct against a teenage boy.

The Greenville Police Department added in a press release, "The investigation revealed that Callaham engaged in an inappropriate and unlawful relationship with a 14-year-old male."

Police said the alleged misconduct began in 2021 when the boy was 14 and continued for at least two years.

Investigators said Callaham "engaged in grooming behavior toward the boy during his early teenage years."

"The relationship intensified as she reportedly signed the student out of school, transported him to practices, and served as a supervisor for after-school activities," the Anderson County Sheriff's Office stated.

Detectives said Callaham engaged in a "prolonged pattern of abuse, which was corroborated by search warrants and ongoing cooperation with the victim's family."

Citing arrest warrants, WHNS-TV reported that Callaham provided the alleged victim with marijuana, nicotine, and alcohol. The arrest warrants also accused Callaham of engaging in sexual intercourse with the teen boy at a Greenville hotel and a downtown Greenville parking garage.

Callaham "voluntarily surrendered herself" Thursday morning to the Anderson County Detention Center, the sheriff's office said. The next day, Callaham was booked at the Greenville County Detention Center.

During Callaham's bond hearing in Anderson County last week, a detective read a letter in court from the mother of the alleged victim, according to WYFF-TV. The mother claimed that her family first met Callaham while she was serving as the director of musical theater productions for a play in which her son performed.

RELATED: Florida teacher accused of 'disturbing' sexual misconduct against student — including in classroom just hours before arrest

"Our son, who was an innocent, naive 14-year-old boy, had worked hard for years in hopes of earning a lead role. Our son was finally given an opportunity by Nikki, and we were beyond thrilled for him," the mother wrote.

The mother said she and her husband "trusted her completely with our son, as she seemed to be a wonderful mentor to our son and other young actors and actresses by investing in them."

"Looking back, it sickens me knowing Nikki manipulated our son and our family," the mother stressed. "She was waiting on this opportunity, and she found the perfect victim and family to prey on."

The letter stated, "She saw our son's innocence and that he was very easily manipulated. ... She saw a family who had a lot of love and kindness to share with those who needed it."

The mother accused Callaham of having a "plan to groom our son" and added that Callaham referred to her as her "best friend."

"However, Nikki was abusing our trust and abusing our young teenage son right under our noses," she wrote.

The mother claimed that Callaham "led a double life" and put up a "facade" to "blind us from her evil, sick intentions."

The mother added that Callaham is a "sick, twisted, calculating sex offender."

The mother also said she witnessed behaviors around her son that were "questionable and inappropriate," and her family instructed her to cease all contact with the teen.

The mother alleged that Callaham continued to contact her son through social media and purchased an Xbox video game system in order to interact with him.

WHSV-TV reported that the alleged victim — identified as Grant Strickland — spoke out following Callaham's bond hearing.

RELATED: Married ex-teacher hit with 52 additional child sex charges related to multiple alleged trysts with 15-year-old male student

The station said he decided to come forward as an 18-year-old after time spent processing the trauma he said he experienced.

Strickland told WSPA-TV that confronting Callaham was like a "weight lifted off his shoulders." He noted that he was a "child" when the alleged misconduct occurred.

"All I really want the public to know is that that was a traumatic event. I'm here to fight, and I'm not going to back down," Strickland said following the hearing, according to WRDW-TV. "I think more awareness needs to be brought to things like this. And just because I'm a man doesn't mean that it should be shunned away. Because I was a child."

Strickland added, "I would love to bring more awareness to show that this happens, and it happens a lot, and it's not just to women. It's to men too, and it happens to young children, and it's gotta stop."

Strickland continued, "I would never want somebody to go through what I went through, because I don't really think that most people would be strong enough to survive it. Because I almost didn't."

WSAV-TV reported that at Callaham's bond hearing in Greenville on Monday, she was seen smiling at people in the courtroom, including her family and fiancé.

RELATED: Florida middle school teacher sent nude photo, engaged in 'lewd conduct' with 14-year-old student: Police

Callaham's lawyer asked for leniency since his client is pregnant and needs prenatal care.

"Miss Callaham is eight to nine weeks pregnant," attorney William Epps III said.

Her bond was set at $120,000 in Greenville County, and her bond was set at $40,000 in Anderson County.

WRDW reported that as part of her bond requirements, Callaham will be placed under house arrest until she secures employment. A judge also ordered Callaham to not have contact with the alleged victim; in addition, she must undergo a psychological evaluation and will be required to wear a GPS monitor.

The Anderson County Sheriff's Office stated that the Anderson School District Five is aware of the investigation and charges made against Callaham.

Blaze News reached out to the Anderson School District Five for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

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'Despicable': DHS unloads on left-leaning outlet for suggesting illegal alien pedophiles had a 'cultural misunderstanding'



The Department of Homeland Security has publicly blasted a left-leaning media outlet for its seemingly sympathetic coverage of illegal immigrants who have been convicted of child sex crimes.

The Department of Homeland Security announced the arrest of 11 illegal aliens convicted of sex crimes in the Minneapolis area between June 6 and June 11. The illegal immigrants are from Laos and Thailand, and some were convicted of committing sexual abuse against children.

'Why does the media continue to peddle sob stories of criminal illegal aliens — including child pedophiles — but ignore their American victims?'

"Under Tim Walz’s leadership, these depraved individuals have been walking freely around Minneapolis with impunity terrorizing American children," the DHS stated.

DHS public affairs Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, "These pedophiles and sex offenders are the sickos our brave ICE law enforcement are putting their lives on the line to arrest and remove from American communities."

"Governor Walz and his fellow sanctuary politicians are fighting to keep these sex offenders and other criminal illegal aliens in our country," McLaughlin continued. "Instead of comparing ICE to the Nazi-Gestapo, Governor Walz should be thanking our law enforcement for removing these pedophiles from Minnesota."

Photos of the arrested sexual predators were posted by the official X social media account for the Homeland Security Investigations field office in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

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Earlier this month, the Minnesota Star Tribune reacted to the arrest of the illegal aliens convicted of sex crimes by publishing an article with the headline, "Two dozen Hmong Minnesotans await deportation to Laos after new round of ICE arrests." The subheadline for the article read: "The deportations bring anxiety to the Hmong community, and accusations of cultural misunderstanding."

The Minnesota Star Tribune noted, "Two dozen Hmong men who have lived in Minnesota for decades are being held in Minnesota and Iowa jails awaiting deportation, according to the executive director of a Twin Cities-based Hmong advocacy organization."

The Minnesota Star Tribune claimed that the sex offenders may not have understood the U.S. laws that bar adults from marrying 14-year-old girls because of their culture.

The left-leaning news outlet stated, "Some Hmong Minnesotans say they suspect many of the decades-old arrests that led to the deportations were a result of Hmong culture encouraging girls as young as 14 to date and even marry older men, which is against U.S. law."

"Their lives in Southeast Asia often lacked education, several Hmong Minnesotans said, and it’s not uncommon that they didn’t understand American laws," the newspaper contended.

State Sen. Foung Hawj – a Democrat – told the Minnesota Star Tribune that when Hmong people – an ethnic group with origins in East Asia – come to the United States, they don't know American marriage laws prohibit marrying underage children.

"These are people whose parents fought and died for this country, and they don’t know what the repercussions are of sending them back to our enemy state," Hawj said. "Here we are, sending their children back over some petty misdemeanor, or things like early marriage that are transitioned by culture."

The Minnesota Star Tribune wrote:

Cher Her of St. Paul, a surgical instrument repair technician who was there buying medicinal herbs, said people with extensive, violent criminal records deserve deportation.

But he pointed out the cultural complications in a Hmong culture where people often marry young. He married at 16; he’s now 41, married to the same woman, and has eight kids. He’s been a U.S. citizen for decades. He worries how shifting deportation tactics could affect his brother, who got in trouble with the law as a teen but has since matured and has a job, wife, and family.

The Department of Homeland Security blasted the Minnesota Star Tribune's "reporting" on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests of "child pedophile criminal illegal aliens."

The DHS highlighted the arrest of Chia Neng Vue, who is described as a "criminal illegal alien pedophile" convicted of criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13 years old in 1998. Vue was also previously arrested for committing a crime for the benefit of a gang, domestic assault, and a violation of a domestic abuse no-contact order.

McLaughlin unloaded on the Minnesota Star Tribune's reporting.

"We have seen a lot of gross reporting, but this may take gold for despicable," McLaughlin began.

"There is no excuse for anyone to commit crimes against innocent children," McLaughlin added.

"This illegal alien repeatedly broke our laws, committed sex and other violent crimes," she said before asking, "Why does the media continue to peddle sob stories of criminal illegal aliens — including child pedophiles — but ignore their American victims?"

McLaughlin concluded, "Instead of glorifying child pedophiles and violent criminal illegal aliens, the Minnesota Star Tribune should be thanking our law enforcement for removing these pedophiles from Minnesota."

RELATED: Florida sheriff blamed Biden's government for 'victimizing' Americans after illegal immigrant charged with sexually assaulting child

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