Overview
- Randi Nicole Staples, 44, a second-grade teacher at Cottage Hill Christian Academy, was arrested in Mobile, Alabama and charged with felony willful abuse of a child under 18.
- Authorities reviewed a home video reportedly showing 22 strikes in 14 seconds with what appeared to be a belt or strap, along with hair-pulling and profanity.
- Sheriff Paul Burch called the conduct abusive rather than disciplinary and said the footage was repulsive.
- The Alabama Department of Human Resources placed the children with a family member while the case proceeds.
- Cottage Hill Christian Academy terminated Staples’ employment, noting the conduct was unrelated to school duties, and said it is cooperating with DHR, the sheriff’s office, and the district attorney.