Grooming Investigation Ends in 18-Year Federal Sentence for Amarillo ISD Coach

AMARILLO, TX — A former Amarillo Independent School District high school coach has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for the sexual abuse and enticement of a 17-year-old student, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.

Nicholas Jade Herrmann, 32, was sentenced on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk. In addition to the 18-year prison term, Judge Kacsmaryk ordered that Herrmann complete 25 years of supervised release upon his discharge and register as a lifetime sex offender.

Exploitation by a High School Wrestling Coach

According to federal court records, Herrmann was employed as an assistant wrestling coach at Tascosa High School in Amarillo when he targeted a 17-year-old female student.

A forensic audit of the student’s mobile device uncovered text messages proving that beginning around January 2025, Herrmann systematically exchanged sexually explicit messages with the minor. He repeatedly coerced the victim into sneaking out of her residence in the middle of the night to meet him for sexual encounters.

When initially confronted by federal agents, Herrmann denied the communications and the relationship. The victim also initially lied to investigators in an attempt to protect her coach, but later disclosed that Herrmann had sexual intercourse with her three times over two separate occasions.

Impact of Grooming Detailed in Court

During the sentencing hearing, the victim’s mother provided emotional testimony detailing how Herrmann’s abuse altered her daughter’s life trajectory. She explained that Herrmann meticulously groomed both the victim and her family to gain their trust before initiating the abuse.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould condemned the breach of trust, stating:

“When parents send their children to school, they place their trust in the school’s staff not only to provide them with an education but also to keep them safe. This defendant clearly took advantage of the trust he was given, and his sentence should serve as a warning to others.”

Joint Law Enforcement Action

The criminal investigation was spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas and the Amarillo Police Department, with full cooperation from the Amarillo Independent School District. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam prosecuted the case.

“HSI Dallas is committed to protecting children against anyone abusing their power, especially in a trusted position at a school,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard, adding that federal agents are continuing to investigate to ensure there are no other potential victims.