Honk News (Gainesville, GA) – Two women in Georgia operating a daycare have been arrested for allegedly giving young children Benadryl and melatonin before nap time.
Stacie Fuller Young, 51, operated a home-based daycare in Gainesville, located about 55 miles northeast of Atlanta, alongside her daughter-in-law Ptiery Verby-Sunshine Edge, 35. A parent noticed a change in their child’s behavior in October 2024, describing them as “lethargic” and “irritable,” according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
Tests performed on two children in December showed elevated levels of the allergy medication Benadryl and the sleep aid melatonin.
According to B.J. Williams, a spokesperson for the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation into Young and Edge was initiated in December. This followed a local pediatrician’s bloodwork on two children, prompted by a parent’s concerns about their lethargy, irritability, and increased sleepiness. This situation has been ongoing for a while. Blood tests revealed that both children had high levels of melatonin and Benadryl, with the Benadryl levels categorized as elevated.
Williams reported that the investigation revealed the children were reportedly being given doses every day while under the supervision of Young and Edge. Both medications were found to be at non-toxic levels.
It is reported that the children started attending the daycare in November 2023, but their change in behavior went unnoticed until October 2024. Young was not licensed to run a daycare for more than two young children after reaching out to the Department of Early Childcare and Learning. A cease-and-desist order was issued to her on January 7, following the start of the DECAL investigation the day before.
On January 13, Young and Edge were taken into custody and faced four misdemeanor charges for reckless conduct. Both individuals secured their release after posting bail set at $5,200.