Heartbreaking: three Delaware Elementary School workers face serious charges for alleged abuse of special needs students.
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SMYRNA, DE
â In Smyrna, Delaware, three former employees of Smyrna Elementary School are under scrutiny following accusations of mistreating special needs students in disturbing ways, including one incident involving spicy snacks given to a child with a digestive disability. This case has left the Smyrna community shaken as police detail the allegations and charges against the involved individuals.
Investigation Unveils Pattern of Alleged Abuse
The Smyrna Police Department and Delaware Department of Justice launched a âlong and detailed investigationâ after the Smyrna School District reported child abuse and neglect claims back in February.
According to police, the investigation uncovered a âpattern of troubling behavior,â which reportedly included yelling at students, name-calling, striking them, throwing objects, and spraying them with water.
Incident with Spicy Snacks Poses Health Risk
As part of their investigation, police discovered an incident from the fall of 2022 where two of the accused employees allegedly forced a special needs student with a known digestive disability to eat hot sauce and spicy Takis, a tortilla chip snack known for its fiery flavor.
While generally safe for consumption, Takis and similar snacks like Flaminâ Hot Cheetos have been linked to health issues when consumed in large quantities, sometimes leading to emergency room visits for stomach and throat pain.
Charges and Bond Conditions for Each Employee
Each of the three employees faces specific charges related to their alleged actions:
Marrisa Johnson, 26
: Johnson has been charged with ten counts of endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the Taki incident and the classroom conditions reported. She was released on a $10,000 bond and ordered to have no contact with any of the children involved.
Makayla Lomax, 31
: Lomax faces one count of third-degree child abuse and nine counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Her charges stem from allegations of striking a student and spraying them with a water bottle. Lomax was released on a $12,500 bond and is also under a no-contact order with the children.
Morgan Donahue, 21
: Donahue was charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child specifically related to the Taki incident. She was released on a $500 bond and similarly ordered to avoid any contact with the children.
School District Responds with Safety Assurance
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Smyrna School District confirmed that none of the accused employees has been in contact with students since the allegations first surfaced.
The district expressed gratitude for the âdiligence and thoroughness of law enforcement in bringing closure to this troubling matter,â while assuring parents that âstudent safety is of paramount importance.â They added that they are committed to continuously evaluating and enhancing safety measures within the schools.
The Smyrna community now watches closely as the case moves forward, hopeful for justice and reassurance in the protection of all students.
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Delaware
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