Teacher acquitted in student abuse case

By Cameron Rasmusson
Reader Staff

A jury acquitted former Lake Pend Oreille High School teacher Nichole Thiel of sexual battery against a minor last week.

Prosecutors alleged that Thiel, 48, had sex with her 16-year-old student at her condominium in late 2015. Thiel’s defense, meanwhile, claimed the charges were fabricated by the former student to aid his mother in a lawsuit against Lake Pend Oreille School District.

While Thiel was found not guilty, her supporters say the charges have irreparably damaged her reputation and career.