Charleston Educator of the Year Charged After Allegedly Trying to Run Over Child’s Father During Custody Exchange

 

Charleston, South Carolina — A former Charleston County “Teacher of the Year” is now suspended and facing multiple criminal charges after a chaotic custody exchange turned violent in a Walmart parking lot — an incident that was caught on surveillance video and shared widely online.

37-year-old Sade Delesia Nacheyle Nelson, a school counselor at St. John’s High School and recipient of the 2025 Teacher of the Year award, is accused of physically attacking her child’s father and his girlfriend, and then attempting to hit the man with her vehicle during the October 18 exchange, according to police reports.

Witnesses told officers that Nelson became enraged when she arrived to drop off her child. The altercation allegedly began when the father opened the passenger side door to retrieve the child, leading Nelson to punch him repeatedly, causing him to fall backward while trying to get away. According to the girlfriend, Nelson also struck her in the face during the confrontation.

Security footage then captured Nelson getting back into her vehicle and driving directly toward the father, forcing him to run to avoid being hit, police said. Bystanders confronted Nelson, at which point she fled the scene with the child.

When questioned, Nelson told officers she acted in self-defense, alleging that the father had struck both her and their child first. She claimed she only moved the vehicle to get his license plate number.

However, the police report indicates that surveillance footage contradicted her account.

Nelson later turned herself in and was charged with:

• Domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature

• Third-degree assault and battery

• Unlawful conduct toward a child / child endangerment

Charleston County School District has since confirmed that Nelson has been placed on leave pending the investigation.

“As this is an active personnel matter, we are unable to release further details at this time,” a district spokesperson said.

Nelson, who holds a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees — including one in school counseling — has worked for the school district since 2012. When she was honored earlier this year, colleagues described her as “caring, inspiring, and deeply committed to her students.”

The contrast between her professional reputation and the violent incident has sparked widespread discussion online, particularly as the video continues to circulate.

The case remains under active investigation, and further court proceedings are pending.