A Georgia high school teacher is facing multiple charges after she allegedly had sex with a student on campus, authorities say.
Maris Nichols, 25, a biology teacher at Alexander High School in Douglas County, was arrested Friday and charged with two counts of sexual assault by a person with supervisory or disciplinary authority, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say Nichols had sexual intercourse with the same student on at least two separate occasions, according to arrest warrants obtained by 11Alive.
The first encounter allegedly happened on April 23 in a closet between classrooms at Alexander High School.
The second allegedly took place on May 2 inside a Hummer parked in a driveway in Douglasville.
The warrants describe Nichols as “having supervisory/disciplinary authority over” the student and being “a person in a position of trust.”
Authorities alerted parents about the situation on Thursday. Nichols’ profile appeared to have been removed from the school’s website.
In a statement, the school district said it is “deeply troubled” by the allegations.
“Upon learning of the alleged misconduct, the district immediately launched an investigation. Student safety is the district’s highest priority. The alleged behavior is unacceptable and violates the professional standards all employees are required to uphold,” the district said.
“The Douglas County School System will continue to cooperate fully with state and local law enforcement,” the statement continued. “The district cannot provide additional information regarding the allegations. Any further inquiries should be directed to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.”
The district has not said whether Nichols remains employed or will face disciplinary action as the investigation continues.
Nichols appeared in court via video on Friday. Her bond was set at $40,000 and she was booked in the Douglas County Jail.
