A harrowing situation unfolded in Lake Oswego, Oregon, when a local father, Michael Meyden, 57, was accused of administering sedatives to his daughter’s friends during a sleepover at his residence.
The incident, which took place on August 26, 2023, has sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious concerns about child safety and trust.
The evening, intended to be a fun gathering for the three 12-year-old girls, took a dark turn when Meyden reportedly offered them mango smoothies mixed with benzodiazepines—a group of drugs known primarily for their sedative properties.
This action was alleged in a probable cause affidavit, which detailed the suspect’s insistence that the girls consume the beverages, despite their apparent reluctance and the presence of suspicious white particles in their drinks.
The situation escalated when one of the girls, feeling unsafe and beginning to lose consciousness, managed to text her mother for help. Her message, filled with desperation and fear, prompted immediate action, leading to her rescue from the unsettling environment.
This act of bravery allowed the authorities to be alerted and further interventions to be made for the safety of the other children present.
Following the incident, the children were taken to Randall Children’s Hospital, where tests confirmed the ingestion of an unknown prescription drug.
Their symptoms, as recounted to police, included feelings of wooziness, excessive heat, clumsiness, and experiencing a depth of sleep unlike any other—a stark contrast to the lighthearted sleepover activities that had commenced the evening.
In the wake of these alarming events, Michael Meyden surrendered to the authorities and was booked into the Clackamas County Jail. Facing multiple felonies and misdemeanors, he was later indicted by a grand jury.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Meyden’s legal representation, led by attorney Mark Cogan, has called for withholding judgment until all facts are thoroughly examined and presented.
The charges against Meyden include causing another person to ingest a controlled substance and the application of a controlled substance to another person’s body. At his arraignment, he entered a plea of not guilty, and his bail was set at $50,000.
This case has understandably ignited a firestorm of concern among parents and community members, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and open communication with children about their surroundings and the people they interact with.
It also serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk in familiar settings, prompting a reevaluation of safety measures during children’s gatherings.
As the legal process unfolds, the Lake Oswego community remains united in its concern for the affected families and a collective resolve to ensure the safety and protection of all children. The case against Michael Meyden continues to develop, serving as a crucial test of the justice system’s ability to address and rectify such deeply disturbing incidents.