Daycare owner charged over alleged melatonin given to children
Authorities say the investigation into the alleged incident continues
New Jersey daycare owner has been charged after authorities alleged she gave melatonin to two young children without their parents' consent, with an attorney saying both children are on the autism spectrum.
Owner faces child endangerment charges
According to a joint statement from the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office and the Dunellen Police Department, Cheryl Ambicki, 57, owner of Precious Gifts Daycare in Dunellen, has been charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Police said they received a report on July 10 alleging Ambicki gave melatonin to two children, aged 2 and 4, without permission from their parents. She was later arrested.
Authorities have not said whether Ambicki has entered a plea or retained legal representation.
Attorney describes 'sweet substance'
An attorney representing the family of the two-year-old child told CBS News that both children involved are on the autism spectrum.
Attorney Crystal Pettiford said the melatonin was allegedly given in the form of "a gummy or some sort of sweet substance" that would not have raised the children's suspicions.
"My understanding is that it was a gummy or some sort of sweet substance that would have not alarmed the child," Pettiford said. "In fact, it may have been something a child looked forward to."
Investigation continues
Authorities have not released further details about the allegations and said the investigation remains ongoing. No additional information about the children's condition has been disclosed.
