A viral child abuse video has led to the arrest of Alabama teacher Nicole Staples after shocking footage surfaced online.
A highly celebrated Alabama educator has landed in serious trouble after a disturbing video emerged online, showing her repeatedly flogging her young son with a belt.
The teacher, identified as Nicole Staples, a second-grade instructor at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, was taken into custody on Wednesday. Local authorities confirmed she is facing a charge of willful abuse of a child under 18.
In the circulating video, the mother is seen angrily scolding the boy for leaving a mess behind. She goes on to strike him several times reportedly more than 20 hits while also shouting at him. At one point, she appears to pull his hair before continuing the beating.
What shocked many residents even more is that Staples was honoured just a few months ago. According to AL.com, she was named co-teacher of the year in May.
Reacting to the development, the school’s Head of School, Chris Brazell, emphasised that the academy places children’s safety above every other concern.
He noted that the institution would always respond swiftly and transparently whenever issues threaten the community’s integrity.
Following her arrest, Cottage Hill Christian Academy reportedly dismissed Staples from her position.
Meanwhile, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to TMZ that the children have been moved into protective care for now, a decision agreed upon by both Staples and her husband.
Investigators are currently interviewing the minors, as well as teachers and neighbours, to understand the extent of the situation.
A spokesperson for the academy also disclosed that Staples had earlier been placed on administrative leave while the school cooperates fully with Mobile Police in the ongoing investigation.
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