School employees allegedly gave special needs student with known digestive disability hot Takis

SMYRNA, Del. (TCN) — Three school employees face charges after allegedly abusing children in a special needs elementary classroom.

According to the Smyrna Police Department, the investigation into abuse allegations within the Smyrna School District began in February 2024. Police allege three employees, 26-year-old Marrisa Johnson, 31-year-old Makayla Lomax, and 21-year-old Morgan Donahue would “throw objects at the students, yell at them, and call them names.”

Lomax allegedly hit a student in the face and sprayed them with a water bottle as punishment.

Further investigation revealed that in fall 2022, Johnson and Donahue allegedly gave a special needs student with a known digestive disability hot sauce and hot Takis, the spicy tortilla chips.

Johnson faces 10 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and her bond was set at $10,000.

Lomax has been charged with third-degree child abuse and nine counts of endangering the welfare of a child, offensive touching. Lomax’s bond was set at $12,500.

Clayton faces one count of endangering the welfare of a child, and her bond was set at $500.

In a statement, the Smyrna School District said, “The relevant employees have not been in the presence of our students since the district was made aware of the alleged wrongdoing. 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 we will make our reports to the Department of Education’s Division of Licensure and Certification.”

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