Young Victim of Teacher Speaks Out

A young man, now 18 years old and from Strickland, is bravely sharing his experience as a victim of a teacher accused of criminal sexual conduct with minors. This kind of public defense and call for justice is quite rare in similar situations.

Grant has been actively assisting law enforcement in their investigation, and his determination was evident as he spoke outside the courtroom: “I want you to know that I’m here to fight, and I’m not going to retreat.”

The teacher in question, Nicole Balloo Callaham, 33, works at Anderson School District 5 in Greenville, South Carolina, located about two hours south of Charlotte. She faces multiple charges, including three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and one for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Authorities began looking into Callaham in May after discovering that the alleged misconduct began in 2021 and lasted for at least two years. Reports suggest she initiated “grooming behavior” when the boy was in his early teens, according to findings by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the New York Post, a sheriff’s office statement noted, “She reportedly graduated from school, took him to practices, and supervised after-school activities. These repeated interactions resulted in a long-term pattern of abuse, corroborated by evidence gathered through search warrants and ongoing cooperation with the victim’s family.”

In court, a letter from Grant’s mother was submitted, reflecting on their family’s initial encounter with Callaham during school musical theater productions.

Callaham turned herself in this week, and during her bond hearing, Grant made an important statement. “I want to bring more awareness to show that this is going to happen. And that happens a lot. It occurs not only to women but also to men, including young children, and it needs to stop.”