South Carolina Teacher of the Year Accused in Violent Custody Dispute Assault

A South Carolina teacher has been suspended after a violent altercation during a child custody exchange. Sade Delesia Nacheyle Nelson, a former ‘Teacher of the Year,’ is accused of assaulting her baby’s father and his girlfriend. The incident occurred on October 18 in a Walmart parking lot.

According to Live5News, the situation escalated dramatically. Nelson allegedly tried to run over the child’s father with her car. The Charleston County School District swiftly placed her on leave pending an investigation.

Details of the Parking Lot Confrontation Emerge

Police records obtained by the Daily Mail detail the alleged assault. The child’s father reported that Nelson began punching him repeatedly. This occurred after he opened her car’s passenger door to pick up his son.

The confrontation caused the man to fall to the ground. Security footage then reportedly shows Nelson driving her car directly toward him. Witnesses at the scene corroborated this account to the police.

Teacher Faces Multiple Serious Charges

Nelson now faces multiple criminal charges. These include third-degree assault and battery. She is also charged with domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature.

Additional charges involve unlawfully placing a child at risk. The 37-year-old teacher is a 2025 award winner from St. John’s High School. According to Reuters, such cases highlight the severe personal pressures that can impact educators.

The school district confirmed her suspension. District spokesperson Andy Pruitt stated they cannot provide further details. He cited the ongoing nature of the personnel matter and active police investigation.

Nelson presented a different version of events to authorities. She claimed the child’s father was the initial aggressor. She alleged he struck both her and their son when he opened the car door.

She stated she then approached his vehicle to photograph the license plate. It was at this point, she claims, that he knocked her to the ground. Security footage shows both individuals leaning into each other’s cars prior to the physical struggle.

The incident concluded with Nelson leaving the scene with her son before police arrived. She informed officers that a friend would later speak on her behalf. The case continues to develop as the legal process unfolds.

This case serves as a stark reminder of how volatile personal disputes can have profound professional consequences. The serious nature of the South Carolina teacher assault charges underscores the legal gravity of the situation.

Thought you’d like to know

What charges does Sade Nelson face?

She faces charges including third-degree assault and battery. She is also charged with domestic violence and unlawfully placing a child at risk. These are serious felony allegations.

Where did Sade Nelson teach?

Nelson was a teacher at St. John’s High School in Charleston. She had previously received a ‘Teacher of the Year’ award. The school district has placed her on administrative leave.

What happened during the custody exchange?

The altercation began when the father opened her car door. A physical fight ensued between Nelson and the child’s father. Witnesses reported she then attempted to hit him with her vehicle.

Has Sade Nelson been suspended from her job?

Yes, the Charleston County School District confirmed her suspension. She is on leave pending the investigation’s outcome. The district cannot comment further on the personnel matter.

What was the date of the alleged incident?

The violent altercation occurred on October 18. It took place in a Walmart parking lot. Police responded to the scene following witness reports.

Trusted Sources: Live5News, Daily Mail, Charleston County School District, Reuters