Police in Smyrna, Del. is investigating after three elementary school workers were accused of what officials called an “alleged pattern of disturbing behavior,” which officials say included yelling at special needs students, throwing things at them and making phone calls. their names.

On Wednesday, Nov. 7, officials announced the arrest of Marrisa Johnson, 26, Makayla Lomax, 31, both of Smyrna, Del., and Morgan Donahue, 21, of years, of Clayton, Del., who were charged with endangering the welfare. of a child after he was charged in a series of incidents involving students in a special needs elementary classroom in the Smyrna School District.

In at least one instance, police say Lomax punched a student in the face and doused him with water “as a form of discipline.”

Among other allegations, officials said, the women are accused of throwing objects at students, yelling at them and yelling at them. And, officials said, both Johnson and Donahue were accused of giving hot sauce or spicy chips to a student who had a known digestive disorder.

In a statement about the arrests, Smyrna school district officials said an investigation into the women’s alleged activities began in February.

“We worked diligently with our law enforcement partners throughout the investigation. The community and school system have patiently awaited the conclusion of these extraordinary efforts,” school officials said in a statement. “We appreciate the diligence and thoroughness of law enforcement in putting an end to this troubling problem.”

The district’s statement noted that “most” of the people involved in the case no longer work for the district.

“With respect to the remaining employees, the District will honor the employee’s privacy rights regarding job separation, and we will make the reports to the Division of Licensure and Certification of the Department of Education,” school district officials said in a statement .

An investigation into the case is ongoing, officials said.