TEACHER NICOLE CALLAHAM SMILE IN COURT DURING HER SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR HEARING

On July 14, 2025, Nicole Ballew Callaham, a 33-year-old former kindergarten teacher from Anderson County, South Carolina, appeared in Greenville Municipal Court for a bond hearing, drawing attention for her demeanor. Callaham, accused of serious charges involving a minor, was observed smiling as she entered the courtroom, a behavior that contrasted sharply with the gravity of the allegations against her. The case has sparked significant public interest, particularly due to the shocking revelation from her attorney that she is currently pregnant.

Background of the Case

Callaham, who resigned from her position at Homeland Park Primary School in May 2025, faces multiple charges across Anderson and Greenville counties. She is accused of engaging in a "prolonged and inappropriate relationship" with a teenage boy, Grant Strickland, beginning when he was 14 years old in 2021. The allegations include grooming behavior, providing the minor with alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine, and engaging in criminal sexual conduct. According to court documents, Callaham's interactions with the victim intensified as she signed him out of school, transported him to extracurricular activities, and supervised him during after-school programs, including theater productions at Project Challenge Playhouse, where she served as a director.

The charges against Callaham include:

• Anderson County: Three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

• Greenville County: Eight counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and four counts of unlawful conduct toward a child.

A parallel investigation is underway in Clemson, which may lead to additional charges. The victim, now 18, came forward after processing the trauma, waiving his anonymity to raise awareness about male survivors of abuse.

Court Appearance and Controversial Demeanor

During the bond hearing on July 14, Callaham appeared via livestream, dressed in a red prison jumpsuit. Reports noted that she was seen smiling as she looked toward her family, including her fiancé, who were present in the courtroom to support her. This demeanor drew criticism, given the severity of the charges and the emotional weight of the victim's statements. Grant Strickland, speaking to the press after the hearing, described the profound impact of the alleged abuse, stating, "I would never want someone to go through what I went through. I almost didn’t survive it." He emphasized the need for awareness, noting, "Just because I’m a man doesn’t mean it should be shunned away. I was a child."

Callaham’s attorney, William Epps III, revealed during the hearing that his client is eight to nine weeks pregnant, a disclosure that stunned the courtroom. Epps argued for her release on bond, citing her lack of criminal history, her cooperation with law enforcement, and the need for prenatal care, which she had not received while in custody. He also highlighted her eight-year tenure as a respected elementary school teacher and her family support system.

Bond Decision and Conditions

Greenville Municipal Court Judge Matthew Hawley granted Callaham’s bond request, setting a total of $120,000 surety ($10,000 per count). However, her release came with strict conditions:

• House Arrest: Callaham must remain under house arrest at her fiancé’s residence with GPS monitoring.

• No Contact: She is prohibited from contacting Strickland or his family.

• Restricted Area: A "red zone" was established, preventing her from coming within a mile of the victim’s home in Anderson County.

• Evaluations: Callaham must undergo mental and physical evaluations to determine her fitness to stand trial.

After posting bond in Anderson County for $40,000, Callaham was transferred to Greenville County Detention Center to face the additional charges. Her release on the Greenville charges followed the July 14 hearing.

Victim’s Statement and Public Reaction

Grant Strickland, now 18, spoke powerfully outside the courtroom, expressing his determination to advocate for other survivors. "I’m here to fight, and I’m not going to back down," he said, emphasizing the importance of addressing abuse regardless of the victim’s gender. His mother, Allison, provided a statement read in court, describing how Callaham manipulated their family through her role in community theater. "Looking back, it sickens me knowing Nikki manipulated our son and our family. She saw our son’s innocence and that he was very easily manipulated," the statement read.

The case has ignited public discourse, particularly due to Callaham’s courtroom demeanor and the pregnancy revelation. Posts on X reflected outrage, with one user noting her smile after posting bond as particularly striking given the allegations. The community theater setting, meant to be a safe space for young people, has added to the sense of betrayal felt by the victim’s family and the public.

Ongoing Investigations and Implications

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and Greenville Police Department have corroborated the allegations through search warrants and cooperation with Strickland’s family. The investigation began in May 2024, uncovering a pattern of abuse that reportedly continued for at least two years. Authorities noted that Callaham’s actions extended into Greenville when the victim began attending school there, with alleged incidents occurring at locations such as a Greenville hotel and a downtown parking garage.

The Clemson Police Department is conducting a parallel investigation, which could result in further charges. Anderson School District Five confirmed Callaham’s resignation and is cooperating with law enforcement. The case underscores the vulnerability of minors in extracurricular settings and the importance of vigilance in spaces like schools and community theaters.

Conclusion

Nicole Ballew Callaham’s court appearance, marked by her smiling demeanor and the revelation of her pregnancy, has added complex layers to an already distressing case. As the legal process continues, the focus remains on the victim’s courage in coming forward and the broader implications for preventing abuse in trusted environments. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and the protection of young people in all settings.