MANCHESTER, N.H. — The owner and three employees of a New Hampshire daycare center are facing charges for allegedly sprinkling melatonin into children's meals without parents' permission, police said.
Manchester police said Thursday that Sally Dreckman, 52, Tracy Inney, 51, Caitlin Filardo, 23, and Jessica Foster, 23, turned themselves in to authorities and were charged with child welfare. He was charged with 10 counts of endangerment.
“If it was my child, I would be very upset,” said Gary Boucher, who lives near the home day care. “Obviously they're doing it to stun children, but that's not something you should do at any time.”
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The four day care employees were arrested in November 2023 following a lengthy investigation after police detectives received a report of dangerous behavior at the home day care located at 316 Armory Street.
Police said parents were not asked or told that the workers were sprinkling melatonin into their children's meals.
“It's concerning that we don't have the parents' permission, we don't know the medical history or what kind of reaction this child might have, and this is in the body, so it could be an allergic reaction, and we don't know. It could get worse,” Heather said. Hamel, Manchester Police Public Relations Officer.
According to Boston Children's Hospital, children under the age of 3 should never take melatonin, as too much can cause drowsiness, vomiting, and headaches.
Gwyneth Clarkson, who lives nearby, said: “I never saw any kids coming in or out of that house, I had no idea.”
Neighbors were surprised to learn that a day care was being operated out of the Amory Street home and are now questioning whether the day care could remain open.
“If the police formally accuse them, the state and city should immediately shut them down until they are acquitted,” Boucher said.
Boston 25 News contacted the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to ask if the daycare would be closed, but did not receive a response.
The four childcare workers are scheduled to be arraigned at a later date.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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