Mary Tracy Morrison, founder of a school for children with autism in Jonesboro, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to permitting child abuse and related charges. She received probation and a ban from working with children after leading what prosecutors called a 'makeshift child fight club.' The case stemmed from a 30-minute beating of a 13-year-old boy captured on surveillance video.
Mary Tracy Morrison, 41, who founded the ENGAGE School and The Delta Institute for Developing the Brain in Jonesboro, pleaded guilty to one count of permitting child abuse and four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood announced the sentencing, which included five years' probation for the abuse charge and one year for each delinquency count. Morrison must also serve 30 days in jail followed by about three months of house arrest, and she is barred from professional work with children. The investigation started in April 2025 after a mother reported physical and mental abuse of her 13-year-old son at the school. Police obtained surveillance video showing Morrison directing 18 students to form a circle around the boy, who sat on the floor, as they punched, kicked, and choked him for 30 minutes with an unknown object. Officers noted that Morrison verbally berated the victim throughout and gave a high five to one student after choking him. Hagood described the incident to local affiliate KAIT as a 'makeshift child fight club.' Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Thomason stated, '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.' Morrison will no longer be permitted to work with children.