NASHVILLE – A former teacher at Oliver Middle School was arrested Thursday on a grand jury indictment charging him with sexual battery by an authority figure for allegedly fondling a 13-year-old male student.
Nicholas Keel, 31, is alleged to have gone to the victim’s home on Labor Day 2021 in order to give the 13-year-old a gift he had purchased on a trip when the assault occurred. Keel and the victim had also exchanged text messages of a sexual nature.
The school system placed Keel on administrative leave last September and recommended for termination.
Metro Nashville Public Schools released this statement to WKRN:
“Following a report from a student to a counselor of inappropriate contact and behavior by teacher Nicholas Keel, the school immediately reported the incident to the MNPD and DCS for investigation and the teacher was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. He has not been at the school since the incident was reported, and on February 25, a notice of charges letter was sent to Mr. Keel seeking his termination.
“We want all students, families, and staff to know that this type of alleged behavior represents a violation of trust and responsibility and will not be tolerated. Any allegations of inappropriate conduct should be reported immediately to the school or law enforcement so appropriate investigations and actions can be taken.”
He is free on $25,000 bond.
