Crime
Cottage Hill Christian Academy Teacher Nicole Staples Arrested After Viral Video Shows Her Repeatedly Beating Child With Belt
A Cottage Hill Christian Academy educator has been terminated and taken into custody after a viral social media video allegedly showed her physically assaulting a child with a belt more than 20 times during an off-campus incident.
The footage, which quickly circulated online, sparked widespread outrage and prompted an immediate investigation by authorities.
The suspect, identified as Nicole Staples, has been charged with willful abuse of a child under the age of 18.
According to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Staples was arrested following the release of the disturbing video and is currently being held on a $7,500 bond.
She is scheduled to appear before a judge for a bond hearing on Friday.
Investigators say the video depicts a woman—allegedly Staples—striking a young boy repeatedly with a belt while shouting obscenities at him in connection to unfinished chores.
The audio in the footage captures the child crying in pain, and at one point, the woman can be seen forcefully pulling the child to the ground by his hair and lifting him again in a similar manner.
Sheriff’s officials confirmed the investigation began after the clip gained significant public attention online.
The department described the content as “extremely difficult to watch” and confirmed that the child involved has since been placed in a safe environment.
Cottage Hill Christian Academy released a formal statement addressing the incident, emphasizing its commitment to student welfare and transparency. According to the statement, school leadership became aware of the allegations on November 19, 2025, after concerns were raised regarding Staples’ conduct at her personal residence.
Although the alleged abuse did not occur on school property and did not involve a student from the institution, school administrators stated they took swift and immediate action, placing Staples on administrative leave before ultimately terminating her employment following confirmation of the allegations.
“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 academy noted full cooperation with Mobile Police, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Human Resources, and the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office as the criminal case proceeds.
Authorities say the investigation remains active and additional charges have not been ruled out. Further court proceedings are pending.
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.