The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Georgia woman and her daughter-in-law are facing charges for allegedly giving children at their home-based daycare sleep-inducing allergy medicine and melatonin at naptime.
According to reports, years ago, a 51-year-old woman opened a home daycare center in North Hall County, and her daughter-in-law, 35, worked there with her. The state of Georgia prohibits unlicensed individuals from charging a fee to provide care for more than two youngsters. It was reported that the women were caring for multiple children, but the Department of Early Childcare and Learning said that they have no record of the owner obtaining a license.
In October, the mother of a child who had been going to the daycare since November 2023 believed her child had a noticeable negative change in behavior and was sleeping more than usual. On December 10, a local doctor gave two children who spent time at the daycare blood tests to see if they could determine the cause. When the results came back, it was reported that high levels of Benadryl and melatonin were detected in the youngsters’ systems. The doctor believed that the authorities should be aware of the situation, and they provided the details to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office opened an investigation, and it was believed that the children were given the substances at the daycare to encourage them to sleep at nap time.
On January 13, both suspects were taken into custody on suspicion of four misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment. According to the spokesperson for the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, the women would have been charged with felonies if the amount of medication the children took was toxic. They were released after each posting a $5200 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.