‘Teacher of the Year’ Faces Assault Charges

A Charleston County School District teacher, Sade Delesia Nacheyle Nelson, was arrested on October 18, 2025, and charged following a reported dispute during a child custody exchange at a Walmart in Summerville, South Carolina.

Story Highlights

Sade Nelson, a CCSD teacher and former “Teacher of the Year,” faces multiple criminal charges.
Charges filed include third-degree assault and battery, domestic violence of a high aggravated nature, and unlawfully placing a child at risk.
The incident allegedly involved Nelson attempting to strike the child’s father with her vehicle and assaulting his girlfriend during the exchange.
The Charleston County School District has placed Nelson on administrative leave pending the legal investigation.

Award-Winning Educator Faces Criminal Charges

Sade Delesia Nacheyle Nelson, a Charleston County School District teacher previously recognized as “Teacher of the Year,” was arrested on October 18, 2025, after an incident at a Summerville Walmart. Police charged Nelson with third-degree assault and battery, domestic violence of a high aggravated nature, and unlawfully placing a child at risk.

The charges stem from allegations that Nelson attempted to strike her child’s father with her vehicle and physically assaulted his girlfriend during a custody exchange in the parking lot.

‘Teacher of the Year’ placed on leave after allegedly trying to mow down baby daddy in Walmart parking lot https://t.co/RlxmASs32o pic.twitter.com/SNhRmOmfwK

— New York Post (@nypost) November 8, 2025

Police Respond to Incident in Public Parking Lot

The reported dispute occurred at the Walmart located on North Main Street in Summerville. Police responded to calls regarding a domestic dispute, and the alleged assault was reportedly captured by surveillance cameras and witnessed by multiple individuals. The presence of a child during the confrontation is cited in the charge of unlawfully placing a child at risk.

School District Takes Administrative Action

Charleston County School District officials confirmed that Nelson has been placed on administrative leave following her arrest, pending the outcome of the police investigation. District spokespersons declined to provide further details, citing the active criminal case.

The school district’s administrative response follows protocol for handling serious allegations involving personnel. The incident and subsequent administrative action have raised questions regarding standards of conduct for school employees and the processes for screening and oversight of personnel.

Context of Allegations

Teachers hold positions of trust and influence, making their conduct both in and out of the classroom a matter of public concern. The allegations against Nelson—which involve domestic violence, assault, and child endangerment—are being handled by law enforcement and the school district as they work through the respective criminal and administrative processes.

Watch the report: Teacher of the Year: Walmart Parking Lot Showdown! #newsdigests