A 30-year-old married art teacher, Nicole Hernandez, also known as Nikki Baird, is accused of engaging in sexual activities with a 17-year-old student in her Jeep. The teacher reportedly gave the student her personal phone number and sent inappropriate messages, expressing a desire to be with him.
Hernandez allegedly befriended the student at a Kansas middle school and later met him at Wichita North High School, where she allegedly isolated him from others. Their relationship progressed outside of school, with instances of handholding and suggestive behavior.
The student, who eventually graduated, claimed that Hernandez pressured him into physical interactions, including asking him to touch her in her office and suggesting they have sex in her car. Despite feeling nervous and pressured, the student agreed to some of Hernandez’s advances.
After realizing the inappropriate nature of their relationship, the student cut off contact with Hernandez and shared evidence of their interactions with family members and investigators. Hernandez was arrested on May 22 and is set to appear in court on December 19.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, you can seek help and resources through www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling the national helpline at 0808 802 9999.
