Affidavit Reveals Disturbing Fantasies in Child Pornography Case

Child Pornography, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Infant Victims, Cybercrime, Internet Crimes Against Children, Nederland Police, Christopher Smith, Jefferson County, Kik Messenger

• A Nederland man faces child pornography charges after investigators linked him to multiple Kik accounts uploading explicit material involving infants.

• The probable cause affidavit details the suspect’s communications about sexual fantasies that included assaulting and murdering infant children.

• Authorities executed a search warrant at his residence with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security.

• Bond has been set at $800,000 for the second-degree felony charge.

NEDERLAND, Texas — A probable cause affidavit obtained by KFDM News outlines disturbing new details in the arrest of a local man charged with possessing child pornography.

Christopher Joseph Houston Smith, 30, of Nederland, is charged with Possession of Child Pornography involving 10 to 50 visual depictions. A magistrate set his bond at $800,000. If convicted of the second-degree felony, he could face 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

On Thursday, April 2, the Nederland Police Department and agents from the Department of Homeland Security carried out a search warrant in the 500 block of North 36th Street in Nederland. The action followed a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce (ICAC) regarding an individual uploading child pornography from that address.

“The Nederland Police Department is committed to protecting those that are not able to protect themselves,” said Chief Carroll. “The Nederland Police Department is a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce (ICAC) under the Texas Attorney General’s Office.”

According to the affidavit from Det. C. Perkins of the Nederland Police Department and affiliate of the South Texas ICAC Task Force, the investigation began on March 12, 2026, after assignment of NCMEC Cybertip report 217498309 concerning apparent child pornography uploaded to Kik messenger.

Investigators observed that in each tip, the user uploaded child pornography to Kik and shared it with others. The material depicted children, as young as infants, being sexually assaulted by adults. Four Kik accounts were linked by an email address and two IP addresses, both traced back to Smith at his address in Nederland, Jefferson County, Texas.

Warrants for the accounts revealed a total of 40 images and videos depicting child pornography, with 31 videos showing children being sexually assaulted. The suspect reportedly uploaded photographs and videos of himself, verified by comparison to his driver’s license photo. He also communicated with others on Kik about his sexual fantasies which included sexually assaulting and murdering infant children.

Additional details provided by the suspect—such as his location, age, profession, and past military service—helped confirm his identity as the account owner. Photographs sent from inside his residences matched images from real estate sites, verifying both his current Nederland address and a previous one in Groves, Texas.

During the April 2 search, Detective Perkins read Smith his Miranda rights. Smith requested a lawyer, after which he was placed under arrest for possession of child pornography (10 to 50 visual depictions) and transported to the Jefferson County Jail.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of local law enforcement and federal partners to address internet crimes against children through the ICAC Task Force.

Man Allegedly Doused Girlfriend in Gasoline, Choked Child and Threatened to Burn House Down, Docs Show

Oscar Mendoza, 42, faces charges of aggravated family assault and injury to a child after allegedly dousing his girlfriend in gasoline, threatening to burn the house down, and choking a 12-year-old who tried to intervene during a domestic dispute on Easter Sunday in northeast Harris County, according to court documents.

• Oscar Mendoza, 42, charged with aggravated family assault and injury to a child following a domestic violence incident on Easter Sunday in northeast Harris County.

• Authorities say Mendoza pushed his girlfriend to the ground, poured gasoline over her body and the house, and threatened to set them on fire while waving a lighter.

• When a 12-year-old child tried to intervene, Mendoza allegedly grabbed the child by the throat.

• The Harris County District Attorney’s Office accepted both charges against Mendoza.

• Court records detail the alleged assault at a home on the 4000 block of Apache Lane.

Northeast Harris County, Texas –

Deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office responded to a family assault call at a house on the 4000 block of Apache Lane in northeast Harris County on Easter Sunday.

According to court documents, 42-year-old Oscar Mendoza had been drinking and began arguing with his girlfriend. Investigators say he pushed her, causing her to fall to the ground.

Mendoza then allegedly grabbed a container of gasoline and started pouring it all over the house and all over his girlfriend’s body. The woman told investigators that the fuel caused a burning sensation on her skin.

Court records show Mendoza threatened to light the house and his girlfriend on fire, both verbally and by waving a lighter near the fluid.

When one of the four children present in the house tried to stop him, authorities say Mendoza grabbed the 12-year-old by the throat.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office accepted charges of aggravated family assault and injury to a child against Mendoza. Court documents also note that Mendoza had a prior aggravated assault charge against a family member in 2006.

This incident highlights the serious nature of domestic violence calls that deputies respond to, where alcohol and escalating arguments can quickly turn dangerous for everyone in the home.

Prosecutors Drop State Charges Against Man Accused of Setting Teslas on Fire in Las Vegas

Prosecutors in Las Vegas have dropped state charges against Paul Kim, who was accused of setting Teslas on fire at a collision center last year. Kim changed his plea in February and agreed to plead guilty to federal charges, allowing potential appeals on sentencing.

• Prosecutors have dropped state charges against Paul Kim in connection with last year’s attack on a Tesla collision center.

• Kim changed his plea in February and agreed to plead guilty to federal charges.

• The decision allows Kim to potentially appeal his sentencing and avoid certain enhancements.

• The incident involved setting Teslas on fire at a Las Vegas collision center.

Las Vegas, Nevada — Prosecutors have dropped state charges against the man accused of setting Teslas on fire at a Las Vegas collision center last year.

The move comes after Paul Kim changed his plea in February and agreed to plead guilty to several charges related to the federal case.

Kim’s attorneys previously indicated that the plea change would allow him to appeal the sentencing if they believe the court’s reasoning is flawed, and that other enhancements would not apply to his case.

This resolution shifts the proceedings to the federal level following the state charges being dropped on Wednesday.

The case stemmed from an attack on a Tesla dealership collision center where vehicles were set on fire.

In conclusion, the dropping of state charges against Paul Kim marks a significant development in the case, as he now faces federal prosecution after pleading guilty to related charges. This outcome provides his legal team with options for potential appeals moving forward.

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Students Fall Ill at Bucks County Middle School After Eating THC-Laced Edibles

A small number of students at William Penn Middle School in Yardley became ill after allegedly eating THC-laced edibles. Emergency crews responded Thursday, and the Pennsbury School District issued a letter to families citing rising concerns over THC vapes and edibles in area schools.

• A small number of students at William Penn Middle School in Yardley became ill Thursday after allegedly ingesting THC-laced edibles.

• Emergency medical personnel and police responded to the school following the incident.

• The Pennsbury School District sent a letter to families confirming the event and addressing rising concerns over vape and edible use.

• At least one individual was observed being taken from the school on a stretcher.

Yardley, Pennsylvania –

A small number of students at William Penn Middle School became ill Thursday after allegedly eating edibles laced with THC, prompting a swift response from emergency services.

The incident occurred at the school located at 1524 Derbyshire Road in Yardley, Bucks County. Students fell ill after ingesting the THC-laced edibles, the main chemical component found in marijuana.

The Pennsbury School District immediately notified emergency medical personnel. Medics and police responded to the scene, where SkyForce10 captured footage of the response. At least one individual was seen being taken out of the school on a stretcher.

In a letter sent to students and families, the district confirmed the incident. Officials noted an increase in the use of vapes and edibles containing THC among students in both middle and high schools. The letter referenced the student code of conduct, which prohibits drugs, and offered resources related to substance use education.

School and emergency officials acted quickly to address the situation at William Penn Middle School. The district is using the event to highlight ongoing concerns about THC product use among younger students and to reinforce prevention efforts.

Tennessee Man Accused of Luring Colerain Teen to Florida for Criminal Sexual Activity

A Tennessee man faces federal charges after authorities say he lured a missing 16-year-old from Colerain Township to Florida with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Stephen Negron, 42, was tracked to a Florida hotel where the teen was recovered.

• Stephen Negron, 42, of Rogersville, Tennessee, federally charged with transporting a 16-year-old Colerain Township girl with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

• Teen Madison Fields reported missing February 16 after telling her mother she was staying with a friend.

• Investigators tracked her to a Florida hotel with Negron using cell records, security footage, and license plate readers.

• Negron allegedly picked up the teen near her home in a silver Chevrolet truck and took her to Tennessee before traveling to Florida.

• If convicted, Negron faces 10 years to life in prison.

• U.S. Attorney praises multi-agency effort to recover the teen and prosecute those who prey on children.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — A second suspect has been federally charged in the ongoing investigation of a previously missing Colerain Township teenager who was found in Florida.

Stephen Negron, 42, of Rogersville, Tennessee, is accused of transporting 16-year-old Madison Fields with the intent of engaging in criminal sexual activity, according to U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Ohio Dominick Gerace II.

Fields was reported missing Feb. 16 after her parents had not seen or heard from her in three days. She had told her mom she was staying the weekend at a local friend’s house, a place she has stayed before. However, the parent of the friend told police the last time she saw Madison was Feb. 13.

Through cell phone records, security footage, license plate readers and a previous protection order out of Texas, investigators were able to track down the missing girl at a Florida hotel, allegedly with Negron.

If convicted, Negron could face 10 years to life in prison.

“I want to commend the excellent work of the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation, recovery, and prosecution,” said Gerace. “My office is proud to partner with these outstanding public servants to ensure that our children remain safe from those who seek to prey upon them.”

The investigation revealed that Madison’s father believed his daughter may have been meeting a male named Josh. A friend received a text from an unknown number claiming to be the victim saying “Tell (redacted) I’m ok,” but a follow-up response stated “She will get rape, and is being rape.”

Cell phone data showed her device powered off at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 near Cheviot and West Galbraith roads in Cincinnati. Footage from a Thorntons gas station captured a silver Chevrolet truck with Tennessee plates at the same time and location. The truck reportedly made a roundtrip from Tennessee to Cincinnati.

An individual told police that Madison had met a person online called “Dad Bod,” believed to be around 40 years old, and had previously stayed with him at a hotel. She was thought to be with that man after her disappearance.

Surveillance at Negron’s Rogersville home and discovery of a 2024 protection order from Texas involving another teen further linked him to the case. During a search of his home, authorities found a similar backpack to the one Madison had when she went missing, teenage girl’s clothes, and items connected to a phone number assigned to Negron.

That phone number later pinged to the Quality Inn & Suites at Palatka Riverfront Hotel in Palatka, Florida. Negron was located there with the minor in room 142 and arrested.

The teen told officials she met Negron on Tumblr. He reportedly told her he could give her a better life, provide necessities and clothes, and that it was okay she was 16. He allegedly picked her up down the street from her residence in a grey Silverado, had her delete things from her phone, and destroyed it. Once at his home in Tennessee, the situation reportedly differed from what she expected, with Negron stating he would have taken her even if she were younger than 16.

Negron was arrested on charges out of the Eastern District of Tennessee and will be transferred to the Southern District of Ohio to face charges involving the Colerain teen.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts in protecting minors from online predators and ensuring swift recovery and accountability in cases like this.

Pooh Shiesty Set for Dallas Federal Court Hearing Following Gucci Mane Kidnapping and Robbery Arrest

Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty faces a federal detention hearing in Dallas Wednesday to decide if he stays in custody on kidnapping and robbery charges tied to an alleged armed incident involving Gucci Mane at a recording studio.

• Pooh Shiesty faces a federal detention hearing in Dallas on Wednesday to determine if he will remain in custody on kidnapping and robbery charges.

• The Memphis rapper allegedly robbed Gucci Mane at gunpoint during a January recording session, using an AK-style pistol to demand a release from his record contract.

• Release on bond is unlikely, according to legal experts, as federal investigators claim the crime was committed while Pooh Shiesty was wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor.

• Nine individuals, including Pooh Shiesty, his father Lontrell Williams Sr., and rapper BIG30, face charges in the alleged armed robbery and kidnapping at a Dallas music studio.

• The group is accused of stealing watches, jewelry, and cash from Gucci Mane and his associates.

DALLAS, Texas — Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty will appear in federal court in Dallas on Wednesday. The hearing will determine whether he will be released from federal custody following last week’s kidnapping and robbery arrest.

Lontrell Williams Jr., whose rap name is Pooh Shiesty, his father Lontrell Williams Sr., rapper BIG30, and six other defendants were charged with kidnapping and robbery in connection with an incident that happened back in January at a Dallas recording studio.

Federal authorities have charged nine individuals, including prominent Memphis rappers Lontrell Williams Jr., known as “Pooh Shiesty,” and Rodney Wright Jr., known as “BIG30,” in connection with the violent armed robbery and kidnapping of three people at a Dallas music studio.

Williams Jr. had a recording deal with Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane under The New 1017 Records label. The FBI said Williams Jr. set up a meeting with Gucci Mane in Dallas, and then held him at gunpoint with an AK-style pistol while demanding to be released from his contract.

Federal investigators said they were able to track Williams Jr. from his ankle monitor. He was supposed to be on home confinement for a 2022 federal case of conspiracy and drug trafficking. The group is also accused of stealing watches, jewelry, and cash from Gucci Mane and his associates.

On Monday, a federal judge in Memphis granted bond to Williams Sr. and planned to release him to home confinement. But the United States Attorney in North Texas protested and filed a motion to try to keep him in custody.

An attorney representing Williams Jr. said they are looking forward to Wednesday’s hearing. “We will have his detention and probable cause hearing tomorrow. We expect to contest those and we are looking forward to finding out more details we don’t think the complaint reveals,” attorney John Helms said in a statement.

Former federal prosecutor Richard Roper, who is not associated with the case, offered insight on the alleged crime. “From the complaint, it looks like the government’s got a strong case because after they robbed these victim rappers, stole their jewelry and other property, and after they forced one of the rappers to sign a release of a contract, they then posted on social media the fruits of their theft,” Roper said.

Roper also commented on the possibility of release on bond. “The judge has the discretion to do that, but once he finds that he violated the conditions of release, the federal law set up so that it’s very, very unlikely that a defendant would be released under that circumstance especially when the allegations involve the threatening use of a firearm,” he said.

The information comes from court filings, attorney statements, and comments from the former prosecutor.

As the federal court in Dallas prepares to hear arguments on Pooh Shiesty’s custody status, the case highlights the serious allegations surrounding the January incident and the challenges of release for defendants accused of committing new crimes while under court supervision.

Florida School Bus Driver Released on $30,000 Bond After Train Crash Involving 29 Students

Former Sumter County school bus driver Yvonne Hampton, 67, was released on $30,000 bond after facing charges in a train crash involving a school bus with 29 students in Bushnell, Florida. No injuries were reported, and the court imposed strict no-contact and no-driving conditions.

• Former Sumter County school bus driver Yvonne Hampton, 67, released from jail on $30,000 bond after first court appearance.

• Charged with 29 counts of child neglect, one count of reckless driving, and one count of culpable negligence.

• Incident occurred when the bus she was driving was struck by a CSX train at a railroad crossing in Bushnell, Florida, with 29 students on board.

• No injuries reported to the students.

• Judge ordered no contact with the children or their families, no return to school property, and no operation of a bus.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A former Sumter County school bus driver faced her first court appearance Tuesday after a school bus she was operating was involved in a crash with a CSX train at a railroad crossing in Bushnell.

Yvonne Hampton, 67, was released from jail on a total $30,000 bond following the hearing on April 7, 2026. She had been charged with 29 counts of child neglect — $1,000 per count — along with one count of reckless driving and one count of culpable negligence, each carrying a $500 bond.

Investigators allege Hampton knowingly entered the railroad crossing after the warning systems had activated. Video obtained shows the school bus slowly inching forward across the tracks as the CSX train passed by and clipped the back of the bus. The bus was carrying 29 students at the time, and no injuries were reported.

Hampton, who had been a school bus driver for Sumter County, quit in lieu of termination following the incident. She has no prior convictions.

During her release, Hampton was quickly escorted to a nearby red pickup truck around 5:30 p.m. She did not respond to questions from reporters and offered no comment.

A judge ordered Hampton to have no contact with the affected children or their families, not to return to school property, and not to operate a bus.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and school district addressed the investigation in video statements posted on the district’s Facebook page on April 6, 2026.

In conclusion, the case remains ongoing as Hampton was released under strict conditions while facing multiple charges related to the safety of the 29 students on the bus.

Army Veteran Charged with Sharing Classified Details of Elite Commando Unit

An Army veteran from North Carolina has been charged under the Espionage Act with sharing classified details about a special military unit at Fort Bragg with a journalist. Courtney Williams faces accusations of violating nondisclosure agreements, with officials warning the disclosures risked national security.

• An Army veteran from North Carolina faces federal charges for allegedly sharing classified information about a special military unit with a journalist.

• Courtney Williams, 40, of Wagram, is accused of violating the Espionage Act and multiple nondisclosure agreements.

• Officials say the disclosures put the nation, U.S. military members, and allies at risk.

• Williams appeared in federal court in Raleigh on Wednesday and was ordered held pending further hearings.

• The case involves details matching a 2025 Politico article and book about the Army’s Delta Force.

Raleigh, North Carolina — An Army veteran has been charged with sharing classified information about an elite commando unit with a journalist, which one official said put the country, members of the U.S. military and the nation’s allies at risk.

Courtney Williams, 40, of Wagram, North Carolina, is accused of violating federal law, as well as multiple nondisclosure agreements by sharing details of her work with a “special military unit” at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

“Anyone divulging information they vowed to protect to a reporter for publication is reckless, self-serving and damages our nation’s security,” Reid Davis, the FBI special agent in charge in North Carolina, said in a U.S. Justice Department news release.

Williams “swore an oath to safeguard our nation’s secrets as an employee supporting a Special Military Unit of the Army, but she allegedly betrayed that oath by sharing classified information with a media outlet and putting our nation, our warfighters, and our allies at risk,” Roman Rozhavsky, an assistant director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, said in the statement.

Williams, who is specifically charged with violating a provision of the Espionage Act, appeared Wednesday in Raleigh federal court, where a magistrate judge unsealed the case against her, initially filed late last week, according to online court records. She was ordered held by the U.S. Marshals Service pending hearings set for early next week.

Court records didn’t immediately name Williams’ lawyer. A man who answered a phone and identified himself as a family member of Williams’ declined to comment on the charges Wednesday.

Although the reporter and unit are not named in the court filings, dates and details match an article and book about the Army’s secretive Delta Force written by Seth Harp.

Williams was the focus of a 2025 Politico article with the headline: “My Life Became a Living Hell: One Woman’s Career in Delta Force, the Army’s Most Elite Unit.” It coincided with the release of Harp’s book, “The Fort Bragg Cartel,” which alleges sexual harassment and discrimination.

In a statement published by WRAL-TV, Harp called Williams “a brave whistleblower and truth-teller.”

“Former Delta Force operators disclose `national defense information’ on podcasts and YouTube shows every day, but the government is going after Courtney for the sole reason that she exposed sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the unit,” Harp’s statement read. “This is a vindictive act of retaliation, plain and simple.”

According to an FBI affidavit attached to the complaint, Williams was cleared as a defense contractor in April 2010 and became a Department of Defense employee in November 2010.

She performed duties within the special military unit as an operational support technician responsible for “Tactics, Techniques and Procedures” used in preparation for and during “sensitive missions,” Special Agent Jocelyn Fox wrote in the affidavit.

According to Fox, Williams’ access to classified information was suspended “based on an internal investigation.” Fox said Williams was debriefed in September 2015 and signed a nondisclosure agreement.

The government alleges that Williams had been in contact with the unnamed journalist between 2022 and 2025.

“During this period, Williams and the Journalist had over 10 hours of telephone calls and exchanged more than 180 messages,” the news release said.

Fox cited a text between the two she said occurred on or about the day the book and article were published.

“Other than a few factual errors, I would definitely have been concerned with the amount of classified information being disclosed,” Williams’ text read, according to the affidavit. “I thought things I was telling you so you could have a better general understanding of how the (SMU) was set up or operated would not be published and it feels like an entire TTP (Tactics, Techniques and Procedures) was sent out in my name giving them a chance to legally persecute me.”

Fox also cited an alleged exchange between Williams and her mother.

”I might actually get arrested, and I don’t even get a free copy of the book,’” the affidavit read. “When her mother asked why she may be arrested, Williams responded for disclosing classified information.’”

Fox wrote that the investigation so far has identified at least 10 batches of documents gathered that Williams intended to provide to the journalist.

This case highlights the serious consequences that can follow when individuals who once held sensitive roles choose to share protected information. Federal authorities continue to stress the importance of safeguarding national security secrets, even as debates around whistleblowing and accountability persist.

Good Samaritan from Polk County Attacked by Driver He Was Trying to Help

A Polk County Good Samaritan was violently attacked by the driver he stopped to help near Walt Disney World. Hans Hamilton shares his story of survival, injuries, and a message about maintaining humanity while urging caution.

• Polk County man Hans Hamilton stopped to assist a driver whose car crashed into a guardrail near Walt Disney World.

• The driver, Daniel Coman, suddenly attacked Hamilton instead of accepting help.

• Dashcam video captured Coman kicking the windshield and beating Hamilton on the ground.

• Hamilton suffered broken ribs, a brain bleed, and bruises; multiple Orange County deputies were needed to subdue Coman.

• Hamilton urges caution but says people should not lose their humanity.

DAVENPORT, Fla. — Hans Hamilton said he just did what anyone with humanity would do.

While driving near Walt Disney World on Monday, Hamilton noticed a car smashed into a guardrail. Next to it, a man later identified as Daniel Coman was on the ground by the highway.

“I’m like, ‘This person’s dead,’” Hamilton said.

As soon as he opened his car door, Coman was up and off his feet. Dashcam video from Hamilton’s car shows Coman running to the hood of the car and kicking the windshield. Moments later, dashcam video caught Coman beating Hamilton on the ground. He thought Coman was trying to kill him.

“He’s a monster. That’s the only word to describe him,” Hamilton said.

Somehow, Hamilton managed to hit Coman in the neck area in an effort to disarm him. The rest of what happened remains blurry, he said. Broken ribs, a brain bleed, and black and blue marks became a result of the attack.

Speaking four days later from his Davenport home, Hamilton said there is still pain from the physical injuries. The mental impact is an up-and-down journey, but support from strangers and the community has been healing.

“They don’t understand the impact that it has for me personally because, again, they don’t know me, but like me, they’re kind, and they do care and that’s refreshing,” Hamilton said.

After arriving on scene, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said it took multiple deputies, including assistance from Hamilton and another person at one point, to properly control and detain Coman. Coman also became aggressive and physical against law enforcement, according to an arrest affidavit.

Coman faces multiple charges including battery on a law enforcement officer, criminal mischief and resisting an officer with violence, all of which are felonies. His battery charge is a first-degree misdemeanor, according to Orange County court records.

Hamilton said the attacks to him and his car have cost him thousands of dollars so far. A GoFundMe has been set up to help support with expenses.

In the end, Hamilton believes Coman should be held accountable—not only for the assault he experienced, but to ensure another person isn’t harmed. While he hopes sharing his story and the videos can help save lives by encouraging others to be cautious, he also hopes people aren’t discouraged from helping others.

“Think twice, but please, please don’t lose your humanity,” Hamilton said. “We need more of the reaching out to each other and helping each other.”

Kindergarten Teacher Accused of Grooming, Sexually Abusing Teen for Years, Lawsuit Claims

A South Carolina family has filed a lawsuit against Anderson School District 5 after a kindergarten teacher was accused of grooming and sexually abusing a student over several years, according to court documents.

• A family is suing Anderson School District 5, alleging negligence after a kindergarten teacher was arrested on child sex crime charges.

• Nicole Ballew Callaham is accused of grooming the now-18-year-old victim beginning when he was 14.

• The alleged misconduct lasted at least two years and included providing the teen with marijuana, nicotine and alcohol.

• The lawsuit also names the South Carolina Governor’s School and Project Challenge Playhouse.

• Callaham faces multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor in both Anderson and Greenville counties.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — A family is suing a school district after a teacher was arrested on charges of criminal sexual misconduct with a minor last year.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the victim, claims Anderson School District 5 was negligent, should have known about the teacher’s inappropriate actions and failed to protect the victim.

According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Nicole Ballew Callaham began grooming the now-18-year-old when he was 14 while she worked as a kindergarten teacher. The alleged misconduct lasted at least two years.

Callaham allegedly signed the student out of school, transported him to practices and served as a supervisor for after-school activities.

The South Carolina Governor’s School and Project Challenge Playhouse were also named in the lawsuit. The school continued to allow Callaham to check the victim out of the dorms, and she began grooming him during drama practice at the playhouse, the lawsuit alleges.

Arrest warrants from the Greenville Police Department and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office state that Callaham gave the teen marijuana, nicotine and alcohol. She also allegedly raped the teen at a hotel and parking garage in Greenville, South Carolina.

Callaham faces three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Anderson County, South Carolina. In Greenville, South Carolina, she is charged with eight counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and four counts of unlawful conduct toward a child.

The defendants in the lawsuit have not responded to requests for comment.

This case underscores the serious responsibilities schools carry in safeguarding students and the legal avenues available when those duties are allegedly not met.