MOBILE, Ala. (NBC 15) —
The video was clandestinely captured by another family member who has given us permission to show it to you.
It appears to be a parent attempting to physically discipline her child.
The sheriff’s office now confirms the woman is the mother of the 12-year-old child that is about to be struck with a strap or belt 22 times… the beating lasting about 15 seconds.
It is difficult to watch.
The woman then pulls the child up from the sofa by his hair, then unleashes a torrent of profanity.
This video has also been viewed by investigators with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office who identify her as 44-year-old Randi Nicole Staples of Grand Bay. Some viewers may recognize her as Mrs. Nicole Staples, a second-grade teacher at Cottage Hill Christian Academy.
“People are entitled to discipline their children how they choose, but that went well beyond discipline. It was abuse,” says Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch, who calls the behavior in the video “repulsive”.
“And it was sickening to see somebody that could, you know, repeatedly strike their child, and then grab them by the hair and yell and cuss at them, and then I think the last strike was across his arms… there was never any question or doubt that she was ultimately going to be arrested.”
Sheriff Burch says making the video even more confounding is Staples’ reputation at the Cottage Hill Christian Academy, which in May posted on Facebook that she had been chosen “Teacher of the Year.”
“It’s almost like a dual personality. Because by all accounts, I’m told she isa good teacher and well respected. And yet what happens in the home is clearly opposite of that.”
The sheriff says this is very much an ongoing investigation and that DHR is involved and is dealing with the children.
And he says he expects more to be uncovered as the investigation continues.
“We did discuss this in-depth with the district attorney. Keith Blackwood decided on the appropriate charges, and she will face justice.”
Nicole Staples, through her attorney Louis Hale, Jr, filed a written plea of not guilty Thursday and requested a preliminary hearing be set.
Sheriff Burch described Staples’ actions in the video as “repulsive.”
Cottage Hill Christian Academy released a statement, saying they are committed to providing a safe, nurturing and Christ-centered environment for all students.
“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.”
The academy goes on to say 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.
You can read their full statement below.
This afternoon, The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office arrested Nichole Staples and charged her with Willfull Abuse. The arrest stems from a video that was sent to us and circulated on Social Media. At this time, the investigation is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.
– Lori L. Myles Public Affairs Director Mobile County Sheriff’s Office
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.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.
– Cottage Hill Christian Academy
