Elementary teacher accused of using hot sauce to discipline autistic children

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - A special-needs teacher in Florida could lose her job for allegedly using hot sauce to keep students in line.

Lillian Gomez is accused of pouring hot sauce on crayons that belonged to the autistic children she taught at Sunrise Elementary in Osceola County.

"I was really upset. I couldn't believe it, honestly, I was like, 'how can a teacher of so many years do something like that,'" said Karina Holguin, who is aunt to two 5-year-olds in Gomez's the class.

When Holguin learned of the hot sauce, she said she was outraged.

"I was just shocked, and confused," she said.
 
Authorities said Gomez put the hot sauce on the crayons because the children apparently kept putting them in their mouths. This was allegedly her way of getting them to stop.

When district officials found out about the incident, Gomez was removed from her classroom and later suspended.

The Superintendent of Sunrise Elementary is also requesting Gomez be fired -- and he's not alone.

A termination hearing for Gomez is set for later this month.