The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
After learning that they were allegedly providing melatonin in the form of gummy candies as a sleep aid for children at nap time, three day care center workers have been arrested on suspicion of endangering the life of a child.
19-year-old Jessica Heyse, 25-year-old Ashley Helfenbein, and 32-year-old Kristen Lauletta are employed as teachers at the Kiddie Junction Daycare Center in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Melatonin, a supplement that is commonly used to help people fall asleep, is sold over the counter in many health stores and markets. The hormone is naturally created by a gland in the brain and in most studies, it has not proven dangerous to consume more of it. It is reported that nightmares are experienced by some who use it, and that appears to be the most harmful drawback known at this time.