In a disturbing revelation, four daycare workers in Manchester, New Hampshire were arrested for allegedly lacing melatonin, a sleep aid, into children's food.

Allegations and investigations

The arrests come after a six-month investigation that began in November 2023 following reports of unsafe practices at the facility, located about 30 minutes from the state capital, Concord. Authorities began the investigation after receiving a tip about possible dangers at the daycare center. According to a news release from the Manchester Police Department, the investigation revealed that children were given melatonin without their parents' knowledge or consent. The daycare owner, 52-year-old Sally Dreckmann, and three employees, Traci Innie (51), Kaitlin Filardo (23) and Jessica Foster (23), were subsequently arrested.

Fees and Legal Implications

Dreckmann and her colleagues each face ten charges of endangering children. The extent of melatonin dosing, including the number of children affected and the duration of practice, remains unclear. Although melatonin is available over the counter as a sleep aid, it has unknown long-term effects on children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant number of emergency visits due to accidental ingestion of melatonin by children, highlighting the potential risks. Between 2012 and 2021, approximately 7% of emergency room visits were related to accidental ingestion of melatonin by children. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has also issued warnings about the use of melatonin in children, citing a lack of oversight from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Community reaction and unlicensed operation

In addition to the scandal, police discovered that Dreckmann's daycare was operating without a license. While it is legal in New Hampshire to operate an unlicensed daycare center for up to three children, the scope of activities at Dreckmann's facility exceeded that limit. Residents who were unaware of the daycare center's existence were shocked and outraged.

Gary Boucher, a local grandparent, expressed his concern to WBZ News, stating, “This is outrageous – that's it. “If it were my child, I would be very upset.” Boucher and other community members are now calling on authorities not to licensed daycare center to close to prevent further incidents.

Further implications and safety concerns

This case highlights the importance of official supervision and parental awareness in daycare operations. Secret administration of melatonin raises serious ethical and health concerns and highlights the need for strict regulations and monitoring. The lack of a license for the daycare center exacerbates the problem and highlights possible gaps in the regulatory framework.

The Manchester Police Department's investigation and subsequent arrests represent a critical step in addressing these violations. However, the broader impact on child care safety and code enforcement remains a pressing concern. Authorities must ensure such incidents do not occur again by enforcing stricter licensing requirements and conducting regular inspections of daycare centers.

As the case continues, parents and guardians are urged to remain vigilant and informed about the practices and qualifications of child care providers. The incident is a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in unregulated environments and the paramount importance of protecting the health and well-being of children.