Cottage Hill Christian teacher arrested beating child 20 times with belt in Alabama after video of child abuse went viral.
A Christian school teacher in Mobile, Alabama has been arrested and charged with child abuse following viral video showing her beating her child over 20 times with a belt.
Nicole Staples, 44, a teacher with Cottage Hill Christian Academy was arrested on charges of ‘willful abuse of a child under 18.’ Staples is slated to appear in court on Friday for a bond hearing.
The episode has since led to school authorities announcing that Staples has since been fired, FOX10 reported.
Authorities started investigating Staples after her nauseating video went viral on social media.
Child victim is heard screaming at each thrashing for his parent to stop
In it, the sound of a female’s voice, believed to be Staples is heard yelling obscenities at a boy for not finishing his chores.
The video showed the woman hitting the boy with a belt more than 20 times. The boy is heard wailing distressingly as his unrepentant mother continues to thrash the boy.
So savage was the boy’s assault, that video at one point shows Staples sling the boy to the ground by his hair and then pick him up by his hair as well.
WEAR reported another family member clandestinely captured the unfolding distressing episode and sharing it on social media.
Cottage Hill Christian Academy issues statement
Notice of the distressing video led to Christian Academy where Staples had taught issuing a statement:
‘Cottage Hill Christian Academy is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment for all students. This commitment guides every action our school takes regarding student welfare and staff conduct.
‘On November 19, 2025, school leadership was made aware of concerns involving the off-campus conduct of an elementary teacher toward her minor child at her personal residence. Although the incident did not occur on school property, the nature of the information required immediate administrative action.
‘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.
Define child disciplining?
‘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.’
‘Cottage Hill Christian Academy prioritizes the wellbeing of children above all else,’ said Head of School Chris Brazell. ‘We will always act promptly, transparently, and responsibly when matters arise that may impact the safety or integrity of our school community.’
‘The school will continue to cooperate with the Department of Human Resources, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office in this matter.’
