Teacher Convicted of Rape Found Dead in Prison

A middle school teacher serving time for the repeated rape of a teenage girl has died in an Indiana prison, according to reports.

Ernest Nichols, age 60, was discovered unresponsive in his cell at Greene Correctional Facility on Sunday morning around 6:50 a.m. The North Carolina Adult Corrections Department (NCDAC) indicated that emergency lifesaving measures were provided, but he was pronounced dead at 7:22 a.m.

A spokesperson from NCDAC clarified that Nichols was not killed in his cell, explaining that the facility is a minimum-security prison that utilizes dormitory-style housing.

Nichols had been convicted in 2011 of statutory rape and was facing a 15-year prison sentence, set to be released in September 2027.

Details on an Additional Murder Charge

In a related matter, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) issued a murder warrant for 41-year-old Wilbert Baldwin. Baldwin had previously been convicted of second-degree murder in 2010. He was returned to the Department of Adult Corrections after the warrant was executed, without being granted bail.

Chronology of Nichols’ Criminal History

• 2009 – Nichols was arrested at his home.
• 2011 – Convicted of statutory rape.
• 2025 – Found dead in a prison cell.

Nichols was a physical education teacher at Ranson Middle School in Charlotte for 14 years before his suspension following the charges. He was described by himself as a “pig” after repeatedly assaulting his 15-year-old victim.

Reports indicate that Nichols not only committed the assaults but also engaged in disturbing behavior, such as posing as his teenage son on social media to send explicit messages.

Authorities revealed that the victim accused Nichols of making inappropriate demands, including asking her to provide details about her showers.

Nichols’ arrest stemmed from evidence recovered after he reportedly disposed of recorded videos related to the abuse. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 to 22 years in prison.