A school director in northeast Arkansas has been sentenced to jail time and probation after pleading guilty to charges tied to what prosecutors described as a makeshift child fight club involving students with developmental disabilities.
Mary Tracy Morrison, 51, owner and director of The Delta Institute for the Developing Brain and its Engage program, entered a guilty plea Monday in Craighead County Circuit Court to one count of permitting child abuse and four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.
The sentence includes 30 days in the Craighead County Detention Center, followed by five years of probation. Morrison is also required to serve 120 days of house arrest with electronic monitoring after her release, undergo a mental health assessment with any recommended treatment, and have no contact with the victim. She is permanently barred from working with children in a professional capacity and must surrender her occupational therapy and related licenses.
The case began on April 17, 2025, when the mother of a 13-year-old autistic student reported alleged abuse to the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators later obtained video and audio evidence showing Morrison directing a group of about 18 students during an incident involving the child.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Morrison instructed the students to surround the victim, place their hands on him, and while she struck him with an unknown object and verbally berated him.
The footage also showed other students punching, kicking, and choking the boy as Morrison gave a high five to one participant.
She later instructed the victim to apologize and not speak about what had happened.
Authorities said the episode lasted about 30 minutes and included additional directed physical abuse.
Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood described Morrison as the “ringleader” of the activity.
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Thomason said the plea bargain was intended to spare victims from testifying while ensuring accountability.
“This resolution ensures that the victims are not required to relive these events through the court process and secures conditions that protect the community going forward,” she said, K8 News reported. “Morrison will no longer be permitted to work with children.”
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katie Calaway added, per K8: “This outcome reflects a thorough evaluation of the evidence, the applicable law, and the best interests of the victim. It imposes meaningful restrictions and accountability while prioritizing the wellbeing of those affected.”
Three additional employees were arrested in connection with the case.
Morrison’s attorney, Paul Ford, disputed the characterization of the events.
“To be clear: there was no ‘fight club.’ This mischaracterization and others like it fueled a viral narrative that was unwarranted and unhelpful to the community,” Ford said, per K8.
He added that Morrison had spent years helping children with social, emotional, and developmental challenges through guided experiential learning.
The case has drawn scrutiny from families in the region who relied on the private program for specialized services and raised broader concerns about oversight and safety at facilities serving vulnerable students.
