A second-grade teacher in Alabama, who was once celebrated as one of the state’s teachers of the year, has been arrested after a video showed her beating her young son with a belt more than 20 times.
TMZ reported that the forty-four-year-old Nicole Staples was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with willful abuse of a child under 18. She was released later that evening after posting a 7,500 dollar bond.
The disturbing clip, which spread quickly across social media, appeared to show Staples shouting at her son, dragging him by the hair and striking him repeatedly. Local authorities said the attack reportedly started because the boy did not finish his chores and briefly left the house for a neighbour’s home.
Her older son, Jackson, who is 24, said he received the video on Tuesday and immediately felt troubled.
Jackson said “I didn’t feel like she should be working at the school or even doing that to my little brothers. She’s done it to me my whole life.”
He added that the situation started after his younger brother failed to clean the kitchen as instructed.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch condemned the footage, calling it “egregious.”
Burch said “I’m all about disciplining a child… but that was way above and beyond any form of discipline.” He added that the investigation is ongoing.
Sheriff Burch also noted that the fact someone in the home felt the need to record the incident was “telling.”
Staples worked at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile. Although the incident happened off campus, the school announced that she has been fired.
Head of School Chris Brazell said the academy “prioritizes the well-being of children above all else” and will always act when safety concerns arise.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that Staples’ children are now staying with their aunt while investigators speak with the children, teachers and neighbours.
Staples is expected to appear before a judge on Friday for a formal bond hearing.
