A teenager who says he was sexually abused by a teacher from when he was 14 says her behavior left him badly traumatized and on the verge of suicide.
Grant Strickland claims he was abused by former kindergarten teacher Nicole Ballew Callaham, 33, from 2021 until 2023 in Anderson, South Carolina.
Authorities say the alleged abuse started when he was 14, his mom claims they first met at an audition for a Legally Blonde musical production which Callaham directed.
Callaham, who is married with children, is facing three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
She voluntarily handed herself into the Anderson County Detention Center on Thursday, her bond hearing was later that day.
Speaking outside of court following the hearing, Strickland told reporters he almost didn’t survive the ordeal
He said: ‘I would never want someone to go through what I went through, I don’t think most people could be strong enough to survive it. Because I almost didn’t.’
Strickland added that he hoped him coming forward would increase awareness of the issue.
Grant Strickland claims he was groomed by former kindergarten teacher Nicole Ballew Callaham
Callaham, who is married with children, is facing three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor
He added: ‘All I really want the public to know is that though it’s a traumatic event I am here to fight and I’m not going to back down.’
Strickland continued: ‘I think awareness needs to be brought to things like this, just because I am a man doesn’t mean it should be shunned away. I was a child, I wasn’t a man, I was a boy.’
On seeing Callaham, who appeared in court via livestream, he said he felt like a weight had been lifted.
‘I don’t think I would’ve been able to move on if it wasn’t for the support from family and loved ones, and being able to come out about it’, he added.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office said that at the time of the allegations Callaham was an Anderson County School teacher, she has since resigned.
The school district said that she had worked at Homeland Park Primary School from 2017 until she resigned in May of this year.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office said that Callaham would sign Strickland out of school and served as a supervisor for after-school activities.
Authorities said these repeated interactions led to a prolonged pattern of abuse, which they corroborated with warrants and help from Strickland and his family.
At her hearing on Thursday she was issued a $40,000 bond for the charges in Anderson County. She was seen crying in footage from the court
Callaham had worked at Homeland Park Primary School from 2017 until she resigned in May of this year
They added that Strickland came forward after he turned 18, having spent time processing the ‘trauma associated with the abuse’.
At her hearing on Thursday she was issued a $40,000 bond for the charges in Anderson County. She was seen crying in footage from the court.
She is also facing a number of charges in nearby Greenville County, if the bond is met she will be transported there for a separate bond hearing.
The Greenville Police Department brought similar charges against her, alleging the conduct extended into their jurisdiction as Strickland attended school there.
Following her arraignment, she will be transported to the Greenville County Detention Center for charges filed by the Greenville Police Department.
Callaham is charged with eight counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, and four counts of unlawful conduct towards a child.
Strickland’s mother released a statement at the hearing also, saying: ‘We truly thought she believed in his talent and was hoping him grow and build his confidence.
‘We trusted her completely with our son, as she seemed to be a wonderful mentor to our son and other young actors and actresses by investing in them.
‘Looking back, it sickens me knowing Nikki manipulated our son and our family. She was waiting on this opportunity, and she found the perfect victim and family to prey on perfect meaning.
‘She saw our son’s innocence and that he was very easily manipulated and drawn into her perfect meaning.
‘She saw a family who had a lot of love and kindness to share with those who needed it.’
The Clemson City Police Department is also investigating the case. Her next bond hearing in Greenville is set for Monday at 10am.
