Christian School Principal Accused of Molesting Student

WHDH
January 15, 2014

http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/10012745645978/christian-school-principal-accused-of-molesting-student/


[with video]

ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WHDH) – The principal and assistant pastor at the Grace Baptist Christian Academy is accused of molesting one of his female students.

Rev. Jeffrey Nichols appeared in court Tuesday morning on several indecent assault charges.

Prosecutors said he admitted to molesting a seventh grade student starting in 2008 and lasting until June 2013.

The 47-year-old is married and a father to three teenagers who also attend the school.

The district attorney says the victim, who is now 18, was a student at Grace Baptist Christian Academy. She's a senior who just stopped coming to the school this week after police say she told them she was sexually abused during a five-year period.

The senior pastor of the church said he fired Nichols on the spot and ordered him to turn himself in after he came to him Monday saying he was in trouble.

“I'm working hard to suppress my anger. Because anger is going to get in way of what I need to do. I need the see this church and school through this,” said Pastor Jeff Bailey, Grace Baptist Christian Academy.

School and church leaders say they are trying to personally speak with each family to make sure that there are no other victims. They also say that there is a possibility that some of this alleged abuse may have happened on school property.

Nichols entered a not guilty plea, and is being held on $25,000 bail.