A New Hampshire daycare center owner and three of his employees are facing child endangerment charges for allegedly adding melatonin to children's food without their parents' knowledge or consent.
Manchester police say Manchester daycare owners Sally Dreckman, 52, Tracy Inney, 51, Caitlin Filardo, 23, and Jessica Foster, 23, turned themselves in after warrants were issued for their arrest. It was announced that. Each was charged with 10 counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Police said the arrests follow a long-term investigation that began in November 2023 and led detectives to a report of dangerous activity at the home day care center at 316 Armory Street. I received the book.
Following an investigation, Manchester Police's Juvenile Unit determined that the children's meals had been sprinkled with melatonin without their parents' knowledge or consent. Doctors said none of the children required medical treatment.
Melatonin is an over-the-counter drug often used as a sleep aid. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is generally considered safe for short-term use, but side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea can occur.
A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 600% increase in the number of children and teens reported to Poison Control Centers over the past 10 years due to melatonin intake.
Mr. Dreckman was released on $400 cash bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on June 10th. Both Mr. Inney and Mr. Foster were released on personal recognizance bail and have a June 6 court date. Details regarding Filardo's bail amount and court date were not immediately available.