DETROIT – A Detroit teacher and track coach is facing criminal sexual conduct charges after prosecutors say he groomed a cognitively delayed student under the guise of being a chiropractor.
Nathan Tedford, 54, appeared in court looking visibly angry and disappointed as a judge set his bond at $30,000 cash. He is charged with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving coercion, because of the alleged victim’s age.
“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, a teacher at East English Village Preparatory Academy, allegedly lured an 18-year-old student to his home, claiming he could provide chiropractic treatment. Prosecutors said the teen went along with it because he was in fear.
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“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 confided in his girlfriend and mother, prompting a criminal investigation. During a police interview, Tedford reportedly admitted to touching the student.
“Mr. Tedford did admit to police he was touching his — I believe — his thigh,” the prosecutor said.
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 scheduled to return to court on June 18, 2025.
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While Detroit police told Local 4 that no additional victims are known at this time, they are urging parents to talk with their children.
If anyone has concerns or information about Nathan Tedford, they are asked to contact the Detroit Police Department’s Special Victims Unit at 313-596-1950.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Nathan Tedford (WDIV)
Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
Detroit Public Schools Community District hosting 5th annual alumni event
DETROIT – Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) will host their fifth annual alumni event.
On May 16, the foundation will host their Tyrone E. Winfrey Hall of Fame Alumni Gala.
The Gala honors distinguished DPSCD alumni who have made a major impact in our community and beyond.
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The night is a celebration of Detroit’s success stories and a fundraiser to create new opportunities for the next generation of students.
Organizers say there will be a major live announcement aimed at helping Detroit High School students build brighter futures.
Kerrie Mitchell, the president and CEO of the DPSCD Foundation, joined Local 4 Live to talk more about the gala, the foundation’s mission and what the announcement could mean for students across the city.
You can watch the full interview in the video at the beginning of this article.
Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
The Detroit Zoo welcomed a new giraffe, Nguvu, to the herd, officials announced on Wednesday.
Officials say 1-year-old Nguvu came from Utah’s Hogle Zoo as part of the zoo’s “long-term plan for the giraffe herd.”
“This move was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Giraffe Species Survival Plan, which promotes the health, genetic diversity and overall sustainability of giraffe populations in zoos – and we’re eager to support Nguvu as he adjusts to his new home,” the Detroit Zoo says.
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Detroit Zoo
Officials say Nguvu has been working with the animal care teams for several days and will be introduced to the herd soon.
According to Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Nguvu was born in February 2025. His name means “strength” in Swahili.
The Detroit Lions are taking part in the NFL’s International series for the first time since 2015 by hosting the AFC Champion New England Patriots Week 10 in Munich at Allianz Arena on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m. ET (3:30 p.m. local time in Germany) on FOX.
The Patriots represented the AFC in the Super Bowl this past February after a 14-3 season and their 22nd AFC East title. They beat the Los Angeles Chargers (16-3), Houston Texans (28-16) and Denver Broncos (10-7) in the playoffs to earn their 12th Super Bowl appearance, which they lost to Seattle (29-13).
Patriots QB Drake Maye is one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL entering his third season and New England’s defense is coming off a 2025 season in which they ranked fourth in points allowed (18.8) and eighth in total defense (295.2).
This is the second of Detroit’s 2026 matchups to be announced early (Week 2 TNF in Buffalo). The rest of the Lions schedule will be revealed Thursday evening.