PORT CHARLOTTE — Twenty-eight-year-old Nichol Marie Phelps was arrested Friday by authorities in Orange County, Fla. According to documents, Phelps faces two charges of lewd
and lascivious battery, stemming from an incident that occurred on March 25 in that county.

In Florida, lewd and lascivious battery constitutes a sex crime committed against a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.

Phelps worked as a dance instructor at the Universal Performing Arts Center in Port Charlotte.

The center’s director confirmed that Phelps was a former employee who was fired in June for poor job performance. The director also stated that the facility was contacted by investigators in July regarding an unspecified investigation concerning Phelps.

The director says authorities told him not to inform parents, as the investigation was ongoing and involved a minor.

Authorities with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office also stated that Phelps posted bond Saturday and was released from jail.