Three teachers in Smyrna face nearly two dozen charges for inappropriate behavior towards students. (From left: Marrisa Johnson, Morgan Donahue, and Makayla Lomax).
Three teachers from the Smyrna School District have been arrested on charges of child abuse that includes actions like hitting students and force-feeding hot sauce and spicy snacks to a special needs student who had a known digestive disability.
The Smyrna Police Department arrested 26-year-old Marrisa Johnson of Smyrna, 31-year-old Makayla Lomax of Smyrna, and 21-year-old Morgan Donahue of Clayton.
Smyrna PD investigate
A nine-month investigation, which involved the Delaware Department of Justice, into child abuse and neglect allegations began in February.
It was determined there was an alleged pattern of troubling behavior in a special needs elementary classroom, including throwing objects at students, yelling at them, and calling them names.
The police allege that Lomax struck a student in the face and sprayed the student with a water bottle as a form of discipline.
They found that in claims that in the fall of 2022, a special needs student who had a known digestive disability was forced to eat spicy foods.
Johnson allegedly had the child eat hot Takis, a spicy chip, while Donahue fed the student hot sauce.
Johnson is charged with 10 counts of endangering the welfare of a child and is on $10,000 unsecured bond with no-contact orders.
Lomax is charged with child abuse 3rd degree, nine counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and offensive touching. She’s on a $12,500 unsecured bond with no contact orders.
Donahue is charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child and is on $500 unsecured bond with no contact orders.
Although attempts to reach the district were unsuccessful, it released a statement saying it appreciates the diligence and thoroughness of law enforcement in bringing closure to this troubling matter.
“The relevant employees have not been in the presence of our students since the district was made aware of the alleged wrongdoing,” the district stated. “Most individuals alleged to be involved no longer work for the district.”
With regard to the remaining employees, the district will honor employee privacy rights with regard to separation of employment, and will make its reports to the Department of Education’s Division of Licensure and Certification.
“Student safety is of paramount importance to the Smyrna School District,” the district stated. “We will continue to evaluate and improve all aspects of school safety. We will also continue to support our school community through this difficult time.”
Immediate attempts to reach the Smyrna Police Department, Smyrna Mayor Robert Johnson, and the Delaware PTA for comment and more information were unsuccessful.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
Jarek can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.
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