Deputy Fired Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

MARSHALL � Harrison County officials were notified Thursday by a Texas State Technical College police officer of an incident involving a deputy and his wife that was reported to them by a school counselor. The incident was reported by a juvenile female student to a counselor regarding inappropriate sexual contact. Once the Sheriff�s Office was notified, the Harrison County District Attorney�s Office and Child Protection Services of East Texas were immediately notified and an investigation began into the allegations.

After interviews, warrants were obtained by the District Attorney�s Office for the arrest of Deputy Eddie Nichols, 49, and his wife, Sharon Nichols, 33, on charges of sexual indecency with a child by contact. The charges are a 2nd degree felony, and both were arrested and placed in jail. Eddie Nichols was also a preacher at a local church.

Eddie Nichols was arraigned and a bond of $200,000 was placed on him. He is currently in the Harrison County Jail. Sharon Nichols was arraigned and a bond of $100,000 was placed on her. She has been released from jail. Deputy Nichols has been terminated.