A disturbing secretly recorded video has led to the arrest of 44-year-old Randi Nicole Staples, a Mobile County mother and second-grade teacher at Cottage Hill Christian Academy. The footage, captured by a family member, shows Staples striking her 12-year-old child 22 times with a belt or strap in an incident lasting about 15 seconds. She is also seen pulling the child by the hair and shouting profanity.
Investigators with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office reviewed the video and quickly identified Staples, calling the behavior “repulsive.” Sheriff Paul Burch said the actions shown “went well beyond discipline. It was abuse,” noting the final strike hit the child across the arms.
Staples was booked into Mobile Metro Jail and charged with Felony Willful Abuse. Authorities say the incident stands in stark contrast to her reputation at Cottage Hill Christian Academy, which named her Teacher of the Year in May. Sheriff Burch described the case as “almost like a dual personality,” stating that while she was well regarded at school, the behavior shown at home was “clearly opposite.”
The investigation is ongoing, and the Department of Human Resources is involved in addressing the needs of the children. Sheriff Burch said the District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case in detail and determined the appropriate charges.
Cottage Hill Christian Academy has since terminated Staples’ employment, stating they are committed to maintaining a safe and Christ-centered environment for students. The school noted that the incident was unrelated to her professional responsibilities but violated institutional policy. They will continue cooperating with DHR, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office.
