Dr. Mary Tracy Morrison, 50, owner and director of The Delta Institute for the Developing Brain in Arkansas, was sentenced to 30 days in jail, 120 days of house arrest, and nine years of probation after pleading guilty to one felony count of permitting child abuse and four misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The court handed down the sentence following her arrest in April of the previous year over allegations she orchestrated a violent student confrontation involving 18 children.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Morrison was captured on video instructing students to physically attack a 13-year-old who sat in a circle while being punched, kicked, and choked for 30 minutes as she berated him. She was seen giving a high five afterward and questioning one student about past grievances with the victim before the boy choked him. The abuse came to light after a parent reported her son's physical and mental mistreatment at the school to the Craighead County Sheriff's Office.

Three other staff members—Michael Bean, 38, Kristin Bell, 36, and Kathrine Lipscomb, 45—are also facing charges in connection with the abuse. Prosecutors originally filed 11 felony and 19 misdemeanor counts against Morrison before the charges were reduced as part of a plea agreement.

In addition to her sentence, the judge revoked Morrison's occupational therapy license and prohibited her from working with children in any professional capacity. She has been ordered to complete a mental health evaluation and comply with all prescribed treatment. The court will review compliance as part of her probation terms.