A Detroit teacher and track coach is facing criminal sexual conduct charges after prosecutors claim he groomed a cognitively delayed student under the guise of a chiropractor.
Nathan Tedford, 54, appeared in court, visibly angry and disappointed, as the judge set his bond at $30,000 cash. Because of the age of the alleged victim, he faces two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct with coercion.
“This is a clear case of a teacher grooming a young man to touch him allegedly for sexual gratification,” prosecutors said during the arraignment.
Tedford, an East English Village Preparatory Academy teacher, is accused of luring an 18-year-old student into his home by claiming to be able to provide chiropractic treatment. According to prosecutors, the adolescent went along with it out of fear.
“Unfortunately, this young man felt he couldn’t say anything because he was afraid he wasn’t going to be taken home,” the prosecutor added.
Police said the student told his girlfriend and mother, prompting a criminal investigation. During a police interview, Tedford allegedly admitted to touching the student.
“Mr. Tedford did admit to police that he was touching his — I believe—thigh,” the prosecutor said.
The Detroit Public Schools Community District confirmed that Tedford was initially placed on paid leave, but following the filing of charges, he is now on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Tedford is set to return to court on June 18, 2025.
