Teacher Accused of Sexual Misconduct with Student

Authorities in South Carolina are looking into allegations against a former primary school teacher accused of having an inappropriate and prolonged relationship with a teenage boy.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation.

“Thinking back, I just can’t believe that Nikki would manipulate not only her son but our entire family,” a concerned mother expressed.

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office has charged 33-year-old Nicole Balloo Callaham with contributing to a minor’s sexual conduct, along with another count related to the minor’s delinquency. Greenville Police accused her of eight criminal acts involving minors and four sexual offenses against children during her time at a local school, while the Clemson Police Department is also conducting its own investigation.

Callaham served as a kindergarten teacher at Homeland Park Elementary School from 2017 until her resignation on May 21.

The sheriff’s office stated that their investigation began in May 2025 after they found evidence of misconduct involving a teenage boy.

In a press release, Greenville Police mentioned that it was revealed Callaham had engaged in an illegal and inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old.

The allegations date back to 2021 and persisted for at least two years, with investigators claiming that Callaham exhibited grooming behavior towards the boy.

“The situation escalated,” the sheriff’s office detailed, mentioning her role in school activities and how she facilitated interactions with the boy.

Authorities indicated that there is a long-term pattern of abuse, supported by a search warrant and cooperation from the victim’s family.

According to the arrest warrant, Callaham is accused of supplying the victim with marijuana, nicotine, and alcohol. It also claims the suspect had sexual encounters with the boy at a hotel in Greenville and in a parking lot downtown.

Callaham voluntarily turned herself in at the Anderson County Detention Center on Thursday morning. She was later booked at the Greenville County Detention Center.

In a recent bond hearing, a letter from the victim’s mother was read in court. She described how her family initially thought well of Callaham when their son was cast in a musical production she directed.

“Our son was just a naive 14-year-old who had been dreaming of this role for years,” she reflected. “We trusted her completely.”

The mother remarked, “Looking back, I’m exhausted at realizing just how Nikki had manipulated our trust,” underscoring how the teacher seemd to seek out the perfect target.

In her letter, she suggested that Callaham had a calculated plan to entrap her son, regarding her as a “best friend.”

She lamented that Callaham had abused their trust, stating, “She led a double life, and we didn’t see her true intentions at all.”

Callaham’s actions left a lasting impact on the victim, who has come forward to share his story. Identified as Grant Strickland, he spoke after the bond hearing, expressing that he has been grappling with the trauma of the experience.

Strickland, now 18, commented that facing Callaham in court felt liberating. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about such issues, stating, “I think it’s crucial that people understand this can happen to anyone, not just young girls.”

He also reflected on his struggle, noting, “Many might not be strong enough to endure what I’ve been through, and I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”

During the bond hearing, Callaham’s attorney pleaded for leniency, mentioning that she is about eight to nine weeks pregnant.

Her bond was set at $120,000 in Greenville County and $40,000 in Anderson County. As part of the conditions, Callaham will undergo house arrest until employment is found, cannot contact the victim, and must wear a GPS monitor.

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the Anderson School District 5 is aware of the ongoing investigation regarding Callaham.

Attempts to reach the school district for comments went unanswered.