CONROE, Texas – The Splendora High School teacher accused of staging an attack that prompted a major law enforcement response Thursday made her first court appearance before a Montgomery County judge Friday morning.
What to know:
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- THURSDAY’S INCIDENT: More than 80 police officers surrounded Splendora High School on Thursday morning after a wearable panic alarm was triggered by a teacher, Nicole Truelove. Initial reports were that a teacher was stabbed by a student, but detectives say they quickly found out the story was reportedly a “hoax.”
- NICOLE TRUELOVE: The teacher at the center of the incident is Social Studies teacher Nicole Truelove. The 53-year-old teacher is in her first year with the district.
- TRUELOVE’S 2017 LAWSUIT: The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says Truelove is the same teacher that sued the State of Texas in 2017, alleging that an inmate at a prison she was teaching in raped her. The suspect was acquitted of sexual assault, but found guilty on assaulting a public servant and retaliation. Truelove settled with the state.
Truelove reportedly hid razor blade in her shirt
10:48 a.m. - The Splendora High School teacher accused of staging a “hoax” emergency at the school on Thursday morning didn’t have injuries consistent with a stabbing.
Nicole Truelove, 53, allegedly made up the story that she was attacked by a student.
According to the probable cause report read aloud in court on Friday morning, she had injuries to her chest, but they weren’t consistent to stabbing. Instead, investigators say they looked more like scratches.
Bond for set at $20K
10:37 a.m. - A Montgomery County judge set a $20K bond for Nicole Truelove, the Splendora High School teacher accused of creating a false story about being attacked by a student on Thursday morning.
Truelove is facing two charges, including filing a false report and felony tampering with evidence.
“Oh, what a waste of resources,” the judge said in reaction to the nearly 100 police officers who reportedly responded to the high school.
The State of Texas originally asked for a combined $30,000 bond, but the judge issued a reduced combined $25,000 bond, $5,000 for the charge of filing a false report and $20,000 for felony tampering with evidence.
As part of her bond conditions, she is to not visit any Splendora ISD property, wear a GPS monitor and she is to be added to the “mental health case load.”
Truelove called to speak to judge
10:28 a.m. - The Montgomery County magistrate judge just called Nicole Truelove to approach the judge.
Courtroom fills with dozens of inmates
9:35 a.m. - The magistrate courtroom inside of the Montgomery County Jail has just filled up with dozens of inmates who are going to see a judge on Friday morning.
A deputy speaking with deputies said, “This is a large crowd here.”
Judge Walker just walked into the courtroom and swore in the inmates.
The Background
The Splendora High School teacher accused of staging an attack that prompted a major law enforcement response is expected to appear before a Montgomery County judge Friday morning.
Nicole Truelove, 53, faces charges of filing a false report and felony tampering with evidence following what investigators describe as a “hoax” incident at the school.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Truelove activated a wearable panic alarm Thursday morning, triggering a lockdown at the campus and drawing a response from more than 80 law enforcement officers.
Authorities said Truelove is accused of injuring herself and falsely claiming she had been attacked by a student.
The incident also placed Splendora High School on a secure hold, a precaution that restricts movement on campus while allowing classes to continue. Officials initially responded to what was believed to be an assault involving a student and staff member, contributing to confusion and concern among parents and the community.
Law enforcement later determined the reported attack did not occur as described, officials said.
The sheriff’s office has not indicated a motive.
Truelove previously filed a lawsuit against the State of Texas in 2017, alleging she was raped by an inmate while teaching at a prison in Madison County.
She is expected to appear before a magistrate judge around 10 a.m.