Key Point Summary โ Alleged SC Teacher Smiles
- Nicole Callaham, 33, accused of inappropriate relationship with a minor
- She revealed in court that she is pregnant during a bail hearing
- Alleged misconduct began in 2021 with a then-14-year-old student
- The student, now 18, addressed the court and asked for justice
- Callaham was released after posting $120,000 cash bond
- Her fiancรฉ attended the hearing in support
- Victimโs mother described her son as โeasily manipulatedโ in a letter
Teacher Reveals Pregnancy Before Court Grants Bail
Nicole Callaham appeared in a South Carolina courtroom this week after facing serious allegations involving a former student. During a tense bail hearing, the 33-year-old revealed she is pregnant โ a disclosure that drew immediate attention from both sides of the courtroom.
Callaham was granted release after posting a $120,000 cash bond. She smiled slightly after the judgeโs decision, while her fiancรฉ sat quietly in the gallery.
Student Speaks Out Publicly for the First Time
Grant Strickland, now 18, took the opportunity to address the court directly. He described how the situation affected his life and urged other survivors not to remain silent.
โIโm here to fight and Iโm not going to back down,โ he said. โAwareness needs to be brought to situations like this. I was a child.โ
Investigators believe the inappropriate relationship began in 2021 when Strickland was 14. They say Callaham had frequent access to him through school programs and extracurricular events.
Timeline and Behavior Under Scrutiny
According to investigators, Callaham would regularly sign the student out of school and transport him to events. Authorities claim this frequent contact led to a pattern of behavior that escalated over time.
Officials said the case came to light after Strickland turned 18 and decided to come forward, following a period of reflection and emotional recovery.
Emotional Statement from the Studentโs Mother
During the hearing, a detective read a letter from the studentโs mother, who shared concerns about the first time Callaham met her son during a school activity.
โShe saw our sonโs innocence and that he was very easily influenced,โ the letter said.
Her words added a powerful emotional layer to the hearing and echoed concerns raised by many parents in the community.
Bail Conditions Include Strict Limitations
Though she was released from custody, Callaham is under strict bond conditions. The court ordered her to stay away from Strickland and avoid locations he frequents.
Her next court date has not yet been scheduled, but officials say the investigation is ongoing. Further evidence may surface, depending on digital records and potential witness interviews.
Public Reaction and Calls for Accountability
The case has gained widespread attention, especially after Callahamโs pregnancy was made public. While the identity of the childโs father remains undisclosed, the timing of the announcement drew mixed reactions online and in court.
Stricklandโs statement was praised by advocates for its courage and clarity, with many saying it could help others come forward in similar situations.
As the case unfolds, prosecutors are expected to present more evidence related to the timeline of the alleged conduct. The court has signaled it will take all future developments seriously.