A US school has released a statement after a former teacher was seen beating her son with a belt on video, allegedly over unfinished chores.
Nicolle Staples, 44, was fired from her role at Cottage Hill Christian Academy after a graphic video was published online showing her abusing her son. Staples was thereafter quickly arrested.
The footage in question showed the former elementary school teacher screaming at her young son before hitting him with a folded belt, pulling his hair, and pushing him against a wall.
The attack was filmed by someone else in the home, with The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office promptly launching an investigation after the video surfaced.
As per WKRG News, Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch labeled the footage “egregious”, stating: “I’m all about disciplining a child if you have problems with them… but that was way above and beyond any form of discipline.”
He added: “There are probably more charges coming in the future. Abuse is abuse. Hopefully she will feel the full force of the law when she faces a judge.”
According to Fox 10 News, it was the victim’s older brother, 24-year-old Jackson, who posted the video online. Jackson revealed he had received the footage from another younger sibling.
“I didn’t feel like, you know, she should be working at the school or even doing that to my little brothers,” he said. “You know, she done it to me my whole life, so I’m 24.”
Jackson also speculated as to why the attack took place.
“Something about he wasn’t cleaning the kitchen like he was supposed to be, he left, went to the neighbor’s house, came back and then it transpired into that,” he explained.
Staples’ children have since been placed in the care of an aunt in Baldwin County, while the former teacher was booked into Metro Jail and later released on a $7,500 bond.
Cottage Hill Christian Academy released a statement after learning of the incident on November 19.
Head of School Chris Brazell said: “Cottage Hill Christian Academy is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment for all students…Although the incident did not occur on school property, the nature of the information required immediate administrative action.”
He added: “Upon learning of the alleged misconduct, the school acted swiftly and decisively, relieving the teacher of her duties and placing her on administrative leave pending a full review.
“Cottage Hill Christian Academy promptly cooperated with the City of Mobile Police Department and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, and an independent investigation was initiated.
“Following the findings of law enforcement, which determined that the teacher had engaged in improper conduct unrelated to her school responsibilities, an arrest was made and Cottage Hill Christian Academy terminated her employment in accordance with institutional policy.
“We will always act promptly, transparently, and responsibly when matters arise that may impact the safety or integrity of our school community.”
As per reports, Staples will appear again in court this Friday, November 28 for a bond hearing.
