A teacher in Georgia is facing multiple charges, including accusations that she coerced a student into watching the film Fifty Shades of Grey. This development adds to the list of serious allegations against her.
Maris Nichols, aged 25, was initially arrested on May 8, charged with two counts of inappropriate sexual contact. Since then, the investigation has uncovered more alleged victims, leading to additional charges such as grooming, child molestation, tampering with evidence, and more improper sexual contact, according to documents reviewed by Oxygen.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Nichols has entered a plea in response to these charges.
Defense attorney Christy Draper emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, stating, “We are fully committed to uncovering the truth behind these allegations and ensuring that all relevant facts are considered.” Draper also highlighted Nichols’s right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, a fundamental legal protection.
Nichols, who was employed at Alexander High School in Douglasville, first came under legal scrutiny when she was accused of having sexual encounters with a student, both in a school closet and in a car parked on a residential driveway, according to arrest records examined by Oxygen.
Authorities issued additional arrest warrants on May 21 after identifying other alleged victims and evidence that Nichols may have attempted to cover her tracks.
According to the new warrants, Nichols allegedly had sex with a student in the back of his truck. Investigators allege that she also instructed one of her alleged victims to delete evidence from his phone and to lie if he was questioned.
In other incidents, she allegedly sent students nude photos, videos and video chats of herself masturbating with a sex toy.
Nichols also allegedly made one of her students watch the erotic film Fifty Shades of Grey, and per the warrant, “talked to her about different types of clitorises.”
Nichols is also accused of sending messages to students expressing romantic feelings, describing sexual acts she desired from them and explaining how she liked to be “choked, screamed at, slapped and whipped” during sex.
Spokespeople from Alexander High School and Douglas County School System did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Oxygen.
The district said it is “deeply troubled” by the allegations, according to People. The district “immediately launched an investigation” once it learned of the alleged misconduct.
The district also said in a statement published by 11Alive, “The Douglas County School System is committed to the academic success of every student. We are not able to comment further on this matter at this time.”
Alexander High School parents claimed that Nichols, a biology teacher, hadn’t been teaching the required curriculum.
One parent, who asked the outlet to omit their name, said families deserve to know what happened.
“We’re not asking for special treatment. We are asking for transparency, accountability, and fairness,” the parent said, per 11Alive. “Unfortunately, our concerns have repeatedly been met with resistance, limited communication, and a lack of meaningful reassurance that appropriate measures are being taken to protect all children involved, including our own.”