News Summary
Melissa Groleau, a science teacher at Saluda High School, has been suspended on administrative leave after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student. Groleau faces multiple criminal charges, including sexual conduct with a minor and assault. The South Carolina Board of Education has also suspended her teaching license pending an investigation. She is prohibited from contacting any individuals within the Saluda County School District during this period. The sheriff’s office is currently investigating the claims, which have raised serious concerns within the community.
Saluda, SC – Melissa Groleau, a teacher at Saluda High School, has been placed on administrative leave due to allegations involving an inappropriate relationship with a student. Groleau’s legal troubles escalated following her arrest on August 7, leading to multiple criminal charges, including:
- Two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the second degree
- Assault and battery in the second degree
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
In light of the serious accusations, the South Carolina Board of Education has suspended Groleau’s teaching license, citing claims of grooming and sexually abusing a teenage boy. Saluda County School District Superintendent Harvey Livingston formally placed Groleau on administrative leave with full pay and benefits on August 8. This leave will remain in effect while the investigation unfolds.
As part of her administrative leave, Groleau is not permitted to return to any schools within the Saluda County School District. She is also explicitly forbidden from contacting any employees, students, or parents associated with the district during this period.
Groleau has been a science teacher at Saluda High School since July 2024, after previously working at Newberry Middle School for three years. According to the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation into the allegations against her is ongoing. The sheriff’s office has received a complaint regarding the situation, prompting School Resource Officers to take action, which led to the collection of evidence supporting the allegations.
Groleau was taken into custody at Saluda High School and was subsequently transferred to the Saluda County Detention Center. The Saluda School District is cooperating fully with the sheriff’s office to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.
This developing story is being monitored closely, with further updates anticipated as the investigation progresses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Teacher Arrested for Misconduct
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Saluda Teacher Put on Leave
- Wikipedia: Inappropriate Relationship
- WISTV: Saluda High School Teacher Arrested
- Google Search: Saluda High School
- WYFF: Saluda High School Teacher Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher Misconduct
- WLTX: Saluda High Teacher Arrested
- Google News: Teacher Arrest South Carolina
- ABC News 4: Teacher Arrested for Inappropriate Relationship
- Google Scholar: Teacher Inappropriate Relationships
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.


