The son of the former teacher who was arrested for allegedly beating a child with a belt has spoken out.
Nicole Staples, 44, was charged with willful abuse of a child under 18 and booked into Metro Jail after graphic footage of the attack went viral.
She was released later that evening on a $7,500 bond and was captured on video bolting onto a golf cart immediately after her release, per the Daily Mail.
The disturbing video, filmed inside the family's home in Grand Bay, shows her screaming profanities at her son, who is bent over the arm of a couch, crying.
She is then seen repeatedly hitting the boy with a folded belt, slamming him to the ground by his hair, and pushing him against a wall while yelling.
Nicole Staples was arrested after a disturbing video of her beating her child up surfaced online. Credit: Mobile County Sheriff’s Office
Son Says Abuse Wasn't New
Staples' 24-year-old son, Jackson, who no longer lives at home, told Fox 10 News he received the video last week from a younger sibling and immediately shared it online.
“I didn’t feel like, you know, she should be working at the school or even doing that to my little brothers,” Jackson said.
“You know, she done it to me my whole life, so I’m 24.”
Jackson explained that the conflict reportedly began over unfinished chores.
“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 said.
The 12-year-old and his siblings are now staying with their aunt in Baldwin County.
Sheriff Calls Video 'Egregious' As Investigation Continues
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch condemned the video, calling the violence “egregious.”
“I’m all about disciplining a child if you have problems with them… but that was way above and beyond any form of discipline,” Burch said.
“The fact that another person in the home felt the need to video…that is somewhat telling.”
Burch noted that more charges could be on the way.
“There are probably more charges coming in the future,” he told WKRG News. “Abuse is abuse. Hopefully she will feel the full force of the law when she faces a judge.”
Staples has pleaded not guilty and requested a preliminary hearing in Mobile County District Court.
Though the incident occurred off-campus, Cottage Hill Christian Academy, where Staples taught and had been previously honored as Teacher of the Year, confirmed she has been terminated.
“Cottage Hill Christian Academy prioritizes the well-being of children above all else,” Head of School Chris Brazell said in a statement.
“We will always act promptly, transparently and responsibly when matters arise that may impact the safety or integrity of our school community.”
Staples is due in court on Friday for a formal bond hearing.