BILLINGS — A former Livingston and Billings West High School teacher and basketball coach who is accused of sexually exploiting children and distributing child pornography is set to appear in court for a change-of-plea hearing.
Scott James Nichols pleaded not guilty in August to a 23-count indictment. The Billings Gazette reports he is scheduled to appear in court again June 24.
The sexual exploitation charges allege Nichols coerced or attempted to coerce four minor girls, who ranged in age from about 13 to 16, to engage in sexually explicit conduct in December 2012 and January 2013 for recording and distribution.
Nichols also is accused of distributing child porn 16 times using a computer.
His attorney declined to comment Thursday.