A 44-year-old former teacher at a Christian school in Alabama has been arrested and dismissed from her position following a video that appears to show her striking her 12-year-old son more than 20 times with a belt.
According to the local sheriff’s office, the incident took place at the family’s residence in Grand Bay, Alabama, after the child had reportedly failed to complete chores as instructed. The teacher allegedly instructed the boy to lay across the arm of a sofa and then used a belt to strike him on his bottom and legs while he pleaded for the behavior to stop.
Investigators say the video, recorded by a family member, also prompted interviews of other children in the home, and alternative charges may be pursued as the investigation is ongoing.
The school, which has campuses in Mobile, stated it became aware of the off-campus incident on November 19, acted immediately to place the teacher on administrative leave, and subsequently terminated her employment following law-enforcement findings.
The teacher was released on bond after arrest.