Union County Reeling After PE Teacher Nicholas Turner Arrested on Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges

Union County Reeling After PE Teacher Nicholas Turner Arrested on Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges

Union County, SC — Shock, anger, and deep disappointment are rippling through the community after the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced the arrest of Nicholas Turner, a physical education teacher at a Union County School. Turner is facing multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct, accusations that authorities say stem from interactions with a minor.

The arrest has left families, students, teachers, and staff devastated — not only by the allegations themselves, but by the profound betrayal of trust at the heart of the case.

A Trusted Role, Now Under Scrutiny

Turner, who had been employed at the school for several years, was widely known among students and parents. His role as a PE teacher placed him in daily contact with young people — individuals who looked to him not only as an instructor, but also as an adult figure responsible for their safety and wellbeing.

That trust, investigators allege, was violated.

According to SLED, the charges were filed following an investigation that began when the accusations were first reported to school officials. The district then referred the matter to law enforcement, triggering a full inquiry that led to Turner’s arrest.

School District Responds

Union County Schools released a statement addressing the situation, expressing both heartbreak and firm resolve:

“The safety and emotional wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. We take these allegations extremely seriously. The staff member was removed from the school immediately once we were made aware of the situation, and we will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement.”

The district has confirmed that Turner is no longer on campus and is prohibited from contact with students.

Parents were notified, though many have expressed that the shock and sense of violation are just beginning to settle in.

A Community Struggling to Make Sense of It

For many in Union County, the news has stirred a difficult mix of anger, disbelief, and confusion. Some parents expressed heartbreak that something like this could happen “right here, in our own school,” while others expressed gratitude that the victim found the courage to come forward.

Local advocates and counselors have urged the community to be especially supportive of students who may experience emotional ripple effects from the news.

“When someone in a position of authority and trust is accused of this kind of harm, it shakes the entire foundation of safety in a school environment. We encourage families to talk openly, listen carefully, and reassure children that their feelings matter,” said one crisis support coordinator.

Legal Proceedings Ahead

Turner is currently being held pending court hearings, and additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues. Authorities stated that the inquiry remains active, and they are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Legal experts note that criminal sexual conduct charges carry severe penalties, especially when minors are involved. If found guilty, Turner could face lengthy prison time, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and lifetime supervision.