4 daycare workers arrested for adding melatonin to children’s food: police

According to police, a daycare center operator and three of her employees were arrested after they allegedly sprinkled melatonin on children’s food.

The incident began in November 2023 when police in Manchester, New Hampshire received a report alleging “unsafe practices at a home day care center at 316 Amory Street,” which resulted in a lengthy investigation, according to a statement released by police Manchester Police Department conducted investigation on Thursday.

“Through the investigation, police discovered that melatonin was sprinkled on the children’s food without the parents’ knowledge or consent,” authorities said of the case.

“The hormone melatonin plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle. Natural melatonin levels in the blood are highest at night. Some research suggests that melatonin supplements may be useful in treating sleep disorders such as: B. a delayed sleep phase, could be helpful. They may also provide some relief from insomnia and jet lag,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “Melatonin is generally safe for short-term use. Unlike many sleeping pills, melatonin is unlikely to cause you to become addicted to it and will make you less responsive or experience a hangover effect after repeated use.”

It is currently unclear how long the daycare staff dosed the children’s food with the drug or how much they gave them. Police also did not disclose how the practice was initially discovered.

Arrest warrants have been issued for the owner, 52-year-old Sally Dreckmann, as well as 51-year-old Traci Innie, 23-year-old Kaitlin Filardo and 23-year-old Jessica Foster, all of Manchester, police said.

The suspects turned themselves in to police and all four were charged with ten counts of endangering the welfare of children.

The investigation into this case is currently ongoing.