A former Arkansas school director has received a jail sentence following her role in a disturbing incident involving the physical abuse of a student. Mary Tracy Morrison, 51, was sentenced to 30 days in jail, 120 days of house arrest, and nine years of probation.
Morrison served as the director of The Delta Institute for the Developing Brain and the Engage program in Jonesboro. She pleaded guilty to one count of permitting child abuse and four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.
The investigation began after a parent reported that their teenage son had suffered physical and mental abuse while attending the facility. Law enforcement officials obtained video evidence through a search warrant that corroborated the allegations of a makeshift fight club.
Footage revealed that Morrison directed a student to sit on the floor while being surrounded by 18 other children. She allegedly instructed the group to touch the child and strike him with an unknown object while she verbally berated him.
The incident reportedly lasted for 30 minutes and included instances of a student kicking and choking the victim. Witnesses noted that Morrison appeared to approve of the violence, even offering a high-five to a student following the assault.
After the ordeal, Morrison reportedly forced the victim to apologize to his peers. She also issued strict instructions to the students to keep the events of the day a secret from their parents and authorities.
The court has imposed significant professional restrictions as part of her sentencing. Morrison is now permanently prohibited from working with children and must surrender her occupational therapy license.
She is also required to undergo a comprehensive mental health assessment and adhere to all recommended treatments. Three other employees at the school were also arrested in connection with the incident.
The case has sparked widespread concern regarding the oversight of specialized educational programs. Authorities continue to review the operations of the facility to ensure the safety of all former students involved.