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Pregnant teacher accused of sexually abusing teenage boy has one major request after giving birth
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A teacher who was arrested on charges of criminal sexual misconduct with a minor last year has asked a judge to ease her pretrial restrictions.
Former South Carolina kindergarten teacher Nikki Callaham made the request after giving birth earlier this year, in February 2026.
According to the student at the center of the case, Grant Strickland, the abuse started in 2021 when he was 14 years old. He became acquainted with Callaham through a production of Legally Blonde at a local theater, where she was the director.
Strickland’s family claims Callaham became progressively closer with him and offered him rides, as well as communicated with him online. His mother also claimed that Callaham’s young daughter was in Callaham and the alleged victim’s presence during some of the abuse.
What has Nikki Callaham been charged with?
Callaham is facing charges in Anderson and Greenville counties, including criminal sexual conduct with a minor and unlawful conduct toward a child. She resigned from her role at the school in May last year, and her teaching license was suspended.
Per FOX Carolina News, at a hearing in June, Callaham’s attorney requested that her GPS ankle monitor and house-arrest restrictions be removed, citing her doctor’s recommendation and newborn baby.
Strickland spoke out against any potential easing of the restrictions, stating that his safety should take precedence.
Strickland also spoke about the major impact he believes the alleged abuse has had on his body and his relationship with food and exercise.
Though the judge opted to lift Callaham’s house arrest, the former teacher’s GPS monitor and restricted “red zones” were kept in place.
How the defendant's newfound motherhood could affect her fate
Criminal defense attorney Tyler Bailey spoke out against the judge’s decision, adding that while being a new parent may make a defendant appear more sympathetic, this should not have an impact on whether they are found guilty or not guilty.
According to Bailey, the fact that Strickland is speaking publicly and attending hearings could make the defense’s strategy more difficult. He also shared that the charges in Anderson and Greenville counties may proceed separately, as each jurisdiction has its own prosecution.
As to why the case has not yet reached trial, the fact that Callaham is postpartum may be contributing to delays. Bailey says lawyers for Callaham might seek to challenge Strickland’s credibility and highlight any inconsistencies in his statements.
Strickland’s family has also filed a civil lawsuit against the school district, theater organization, and boarding school, highlighting alleged failures to protect him.