Former Teacher Arrested After Viral Video Shows Child Abuse

MOBILE, Ala. — A 44-year-old former teacher in Mobile was arrested Wednesday after a viral video surfaced, showing her allegedly striking a child more than 20 times with a belt. Nicole Staples was taken into custody and charged with willful abuse of a child under 18.

Staples was released from Metro Jail Wednesday evening after posting a $7,500 bond. Video footage shows her running toward a golf cart shortly after her release. The incident prompted widespread outrage after being shared on social media.

Jackson Staples, her son, reported he received the video on Tuesday and expressed his alarm. “I didn’t feel like she should be working at the school or even doing that to my little brothers,” he said. Jackson, who is 24 and no longer resides with his mother, added, “You know, she done it to me my whole life.”

Jackson explained that the incident began when his younger brother failed to complete his chores. “Something about he wasn’t cleaning the kitchen like he was supposed to be, he left, went to the neighbor’s house, come back and then it transpired into that,” he said.

In the footage, the boy can be heard crying as the woman yells and strikes him. The clip allegedly shows her pulling the boy to the ground by his hair. Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch condemned the actions displayed in the video as “egregious.”

“I mean, everybody disciplines their children different ways, but that was way above and beyond any form of discipline,” Burch remarked, adding that the investigation is ongoing. He noted that another person in the home felt the need to record the incident, which he found concerning.

Staples had been employed at Cottage Hill Christian Academy, and the school has since terminated her position. Following the incident, Jackson reported that his younger brothers are now staying with their aunt in Baldwin County.

Staples is scheduled to appear before a judge for a formal bond hearing on Friday.