Two former employees of the Snyder Independent School District in Texas have been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to charges related to the abuse of a disabled student. The sentencing, which took place on Tuesday, concludes a case that began with an incident in August 2024 and has drawn significant attention from the local community.
Lexi Loveall and Rhonda Dacus both entered guilty pleas to the charge of Assault of a Disabled Person. As a result, each received a sentence of one-year probation and is prohibited from working with children in Texas for the next three years.
Key Takeaways
- Lexi Loveall and Rhonda Dacus, former Snyder ISD employees, pleaded guilty to Assault of a Disabled Person.
- Each was sentenced to one year of probation for their role in the August 2024 incident.
- As part of their sentence, both are barred from teaching or working with children in Texas for three years.
- Court documents detail accusations of physical abuse, including kicking and spitting ice at the student.
- Some parents in the community believe other students may have been affected and are calling for further investigation.
Details of the Court Ruling
On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Lexi Loveall and Rhonda Dacus appeared in court and formally pleaded guilty to the charges against them. The charge, Assault of a Disabled Person, is a serious offense that addresses misconduct by those in positions of trust.
Following their guilty pleas, the court sentenced both individuals to a one-year term of probation. This type of sentence allows individuals to serve their time in the community under supervision rather than in jail, provided they adhere to specific conditions set by the court.
Probationary Conditions and Professional Consequences
The probation agreements for Loveall and Dacus include significant professional restrictions that extend beyond the one-year probationary period. For the next three years, both individuals are subject to strict limitations on their employment and volunteer activities.
The court has explicitly barred them from:
- Teaching in any capacity within the State of Texas.
- Working or volunteering at any school or childcare facility.
- Participating in in-home childcare settings.
- Serving in any role within a church-based childcare program.
These conditions are designed to prevent them from being in positions of authority over children during the three-year restriction period, ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations within the community.
Understanding the Charge
In Texas, Assault of a Disabled Person is an elevated charge that recognizes the vulnerability of the victim. The law provides enhanced penalties for individuals who cause bodily injury to a person with a disability, particularly when the accused is a caregiver or public servant. A guilty plea indicates an admission of the alleged conduct.
Specific Allegations Against the Former Employees
Court documents related to the case provide disturbing details about the actions that led to the charges. The abuse, which occurred in August 2024, involved separate acts by both Loveall and Dacus against the same disabled student.
The documents outline the specific accusations against each individual, painting a clear picture of the events that transpired within the Snyder ISD facility.
Accusations Against Lexi Loveall
According to the court filings, Lexi Loveall was accused of a direct act of physical violence against the student.
Court documents state that Loveall is accused of kicking a disabled student in the back.
This accusation formed the basis of the assault charge against her, highlighting a severe breach of her professional duty to care for and protect the students under her supervision.
Accusations Against Rhonda Dacus
The allegations against Rhonda Dacus describe a different form of abuse. The court records detail a series of demeaning and harmful actions.
Dacus is accused of “placing ice in [her] mouth, utilizing a straw to spit ice and saliva” at the same disabled student.
This act was also classified as assault, contributing to the legal proceedings that resulted in her conviction and sentencing.
Timeline of Events
- August 2024: The alleged abuse of the disabled student by Loveall and Dacus occurs at Snyder ISD.
- Post-August 2024: An investigation is launched, leading to charges being filed against both employees.
- October 14, 2025: Both Lexi Loveall and Rhonda Dacus plead guilty in court and are sentenced.
Community Reaction and School District Statement
The case has had a significant impact on the Snyder community, particularly among parents of students within the district. Following the sentencing, some parents have voiced concerns that the abuse may not have been limited to a single student.
According to reports, these parents expressed a belief that other students may have experienced similar mistreatment. They have indicated a desire for additional charges to be considered in the future if more evidence comes to light. This sentiment reflects a deep concern for student safety and a demand for full accountability.
In response to the investigation and its outcome, the Snyder Independent School District issued a formal statement regarding the former staff members. The district has acknowledged the situation and the legal process that has unfolded. The statement was made available for public review, confirming the district's official position on the matter.
The legal case against Loveall and Dacus is now formally closed with their guilty pleas and sentencing. However, the community's call for vigilance and the lasting impact on the students and families involved will likely continue to be a topic of local discussion.