Former Kansas Teacher Accused of Grooming and Having Unlawful Sexual Relations With Student, 17, Now Married

Nicole Hernandez, 30, also known as Nikki Baird, appeared in court on December 2, facing four counts related to unlawful sexual contact with a student. Hernandez was initially arrested on May 22 but had her first court appearance last month.

Hernandez is no longer employed at Wichita North High School, where the alleged victim was a student. Wichita police launched an investigation after receiving a tip about an Instagram post on May 19 that suggested the married teacher had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a former student.

According to an affidavit cited by the Wichita Eagle, school administrators became aware of Hernandezs alleged conduct during the 2023-2024 school year and handled it internally. Details on the outcome of the internal review were not disclosed. When approached in May about the investigation, Hernandez reportedly admitted to getting too close to the student and crossing professional boundaries.

Hernandez initially claimed her relationship with the student was emotional and began after he graduated. However, the charges correspond to incidents that occurred while he was still in school. She also denied any physical contact, which contradicts statements from the now-adult student. He alleged that Hernandez groomed him throughout his sophomore, junior, and senior years, isolating him from peers.

The affidavit details how Hernandez reportedly began physical contact, including touching and requesting hugs, and engaged in private texting that included messages about her marital problems and expressions of love. She allegedly wrote letters indicating romantic feelings toward him.

In his senior year, the student said Hernandez touched him at an arts center, kissed his neck at school, and initiated meetings outside of school. The interactions escalated to sexual activity before and after his graduation. Hernandez allegedly instructed him to keep the encounters secret and continued sending explicit photos over time.

The student eventually ceased contact after recognizing the relationship as inappropriate and manipulative. Authorities noted Hernandez visited the student at his workplace and left gifts at his home, causing concern.

Hernandez was released on $50,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on July 28. Authorities have advised anyone affected by sexual assault to contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Author: Sophia Brooks