In a deeply disturbing case from Mobile, Alabama, a special education teacher has been charged with aggravated child abuse after a 4-year-old student was hospitalized with a dangerously high blood alcohol level. The girl, named Algeria Singleton, was left in critical condition after allegedly being given alcohol at school.
Parents Discover Something’s Wrong
On April 28, Mary and Albert Singleton picked up their daughter Algeria from Collins-Rhodes Elementary School. But instead of her usual happy self, the little girl appeared limp and was “slobbering at the mouth.” Concerned, the school nurse told them it might be an ear infection.
Not satisfied with the explanation, the Singletons rushed Algeria to the emergency room. What they learned there shocked them.
Blood Alcohol Level 3.5 Times Adult Limit
Doctors at the hospital found that Algeria’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was a staggering 0.29 — more than three times the legal limit for an adult in Alabama. At such levels, alcohol poisoning is a serious risk, especially for a child. Symptoms can include unconsciousness, vomiting, and even coma.
Algeria was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and stayed there for two days. Fortunately, she survived. However, she has not yet returned to school due to ongoing recovery.
Teacher Arrested and Investigation Launched
Following an investigation by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, authorities arrested Tracy Walker, a 56-year-old special education teacher at Collins-Rhodes Elementary School. According to police, Algeria told them that Walker gave her a drink that made her feel sick.
School officials confirmed that Walker has been placed on administrative leave. The Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) released a statement saying, “We take all allegations seriously and are cooperating fully with law enforcement.”
Family Seeks Answers
Algeria’s father, Albert Singleton, expressed disbelief and anger. “How is this even possible? Where was the supervision?” he asked. He described how he had dropped his daughter off at school that morning in perfect health, only to find her near death when he returned.
“What happened to my baby should never happen to anyone’s child,” he added.
Ongoing Legal Process
Walker remains in custody and is awaiting a bond hearing scheduled for Friday. Investigators have already interviewed multiple people, including the child’s family, teachers, and medical professionals. However, it’s still unclear why Walker allegedly gave alcohol to the child.
The investigation remains ongoing.