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

Smyrna, Delaware — Three school employees are facing accusations for allegedly abusing children in a special needs elementary classroom.

According to the Smyrna Police Department, the investigation into abuse accusations in the Smyrna School District began in February 2024.

Police allege that three staff, 26-year-old Marrisa Johnson, 31-year-old Makayla Lomax, and 21-year-old Morgan Donahue, would “throw objects at students, yell at them, and call them names.”

Lomax allegedly struck a pupil in the face and doused them with a water bottle as punishment.

Further research revealed that in the fall of 2022, Johnson and Donahue reportedly gave a special needs student with a known digestive issue hot sauce and hot Takis, which are spicy tortilla chips.

Johnson faces ten charges of endangering the welfare of a child, and her bond has been set at $10,000.

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

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

In a statement, the Smyrna School District stated, “The relevant staff have not been in the presence of our students since the district became aware of the alleged violation.

The majority of those accused have now left the District. Regarding the remaining employees, the District will respect their privacy rights regarding separation of employment, and we will report to the Department of Education’s Division of Licensure and Certification.

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