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SMYRNA, Del. – Police say “disturbing behavior” in a local special needs classroom led to a months-long investigation that ended with the arrest of three female employees.

Marrisa Johnson, 26; Makayla Lomax, 31; and Morgan Donahue, 21, were accused of abusing and neglecting special needs children at Smyrna Elementary School.

Police say all three suspects would throw objects at the students, scream and call them names.

In addition to those charges, Lomax is accused of hitting a student, then dousing him with a water bottle as discipline.

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In 2022, police say Johnson and Donahue allegedly terrorized a student with digestive disabilities by feeding them hot sauce and hot Takis.

All three employees are charged with endangering the welfare of a child, while Lomax is additionally charged with child abuse.

The Smyrna School District says none of the accused employees are currently in contact with students at the school.

“Relevant staff members have not been in the presence of our students since the district was made aware of the alleged wrongdoing. Most of the people allegedly involved no longer work for the district. With respect to remaining employees, the District will honor employee confidentiality. rights regarding job segregation and we will make our reports to the Division of Licensing and Certification of the Department of Education,” the district said in a statement released Wednesday.